Serum hepatic biomarkers in women with obstetric cholestasis and a concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection

Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and serum hepatic biomarker levels among women with obstetric cholestasis. Methods In this prospective study, we recruited all pregnant women admitted in our hospital with obstetric cholestasis. Among those with a concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection, we evaluated the following serum hepatic biomarkers: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and biliar acids (BA). Results Among the 88 women enrolled in the study, 20 presented with a SARS-CoV-2 infection while 68 were negative. SARS-CoV-2 infected women were younger (mean age 30.5 +/- 5.7 vs. 34.3 +/- 5.4; p < 0.01) and in a greater percentage of non-Caucasian ethnicity when compared to noninfected women (60.0% vs. 17.6%; p < 0.01). Regarding levels of hepatic biomarkers, they showed higher levels of AST (111.5 +/- 134.1 vs. 37.3 +/- 43.4 UI/L; p = 0.02), ALT (132.2 +/- 115.7 vs. 50.5 +/- 73.173.1 UI/L; p < 0.01), and BA (41.4 +/- 46.8 vs. 18.4 +/- 13.4 mu mol/L; p = 0.04) compared to noninfected patients. No significant differences in maternal or fetal outcomes were found between infected and noninfected women. Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with higher levels of liver enzymes in patients with obstetric cholestasis. This could be the result of a possible hepatic involvement in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.