Evaluation of serum midkine level in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a case-control study in a tertiary center

Aim: To investigate midkine levels in women diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Materials and Method: This study was conducted with 112 pregnant women, 40 of whom had ICP (study group) and 72 were in the control group. The two groups were compared regarding demographic characteristics, obstetric data, laboratory parameters, and serum midkine levels. In addition, a correlation analysis was undertaken between the midkine level and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and serum bile acid (SBA) values in the study group. Results: The midkine value was determined to be 0.495 ng/ml in the study group and 0.275 ng/ml in the control group. It was statistically significantly higher in the patients with cholestasis (p<0.001). No correlation was found between the midkine level and the SBA or transaminase values. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the midkine cut-off value for ICP was 0.345 ng/ml (specificity: 70%; sensitivity: 70%). Conclusion: The serum midkine level was found to be higher in pregnant women with cholestasis, but there was no significant relationship between the maternal midkine level and the SBA level.