Differential effects of Qingre Lishi formula on serum total bile acid and liver function markers in early- and late-onset intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the differential intervention effect of Qingre Lishi formula on serum total bile acid and liver function markers in patients with early-onset and late-onset intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), and to provide a basis for clinical classification and treatment. The clinical data of patients with ICP were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into early-onset (before 28 weeks of gestation) and late-onset (after 28 weeks of gestation) groups. Both groups received Qingre Lishi formula combined with Western medicine treatment, and the changes in serum biochemical and liver function indicators before and after treatment were compared. Baseline total bile acid levels were significantly higher in the early-onset group than in the late-onset group, while no significant between-group differences were observed in alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase levels. After intervention, the decrease in total bile acid levels was more pronounced in the early-onset group, and the between-group difference narrowed after treatment. Liver enzyme levels in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment. Qingre Lishi formula has a more significant effect on serum total bile acid in patients with early-onset ICP, and can effectively narrow the differences in bile acid metabolism between early-onset and late-onset ICP patients. (Afr J Reprod Health 2026; 30 [19]:92-103).