Whole-exome sequencing identifies novel mutation in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: A case report and literature review

Objective Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disease characterized by pruritus and elevated total bile acid (TBA) levels. The most serious impact of ICP is sudden unexplained intrauterine fetal death, especially when an associated TBA >= 100 mu mol/L is confirmed. Methods We report a case of a 27-year-old female patient with early-onset severe refractory ICP. Whole-exome sequencing and mutation analyses were performed to obtain genetic data on the patient and her mother. Sanger sequencing was performed to screen the mutation site. Computer-based algorithms were applied to predict the pathogenesis of the identified mutation. Subsequently, we conducted a literature review to characterize the pathological features and perinatal management of severe refractory ICP, especially ICP with genetic susceptibility. Results A heterozygous mutation in the ABCD3 gene: c.130C > T/p.Pro44Ser was detected in this patient. Through the analysis of pathogenicity prediction software, the mutations were disease-causing. This is the first report to identify the novel p.Pro44Ser mutations of ABCD3 gene in ICP patients. Conclusions Our report provides new insights into the genetic architecture of ICP involving ABCD3 variants. Early-onset severe refractory ICP is rare and mutations in bile acid metabolism genes might accentuate the phenotype. Emphasized perinatal management and screening for potential pathogenicity sites of variants that drive specific recognition of ICP is necessary.