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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
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Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
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Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 2

Category: Physiology/Endocrinology

Poster Session 2

(426) Serial sebum sampling in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM  
Objective:
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is characterized by elevated bile acids as a disease unique to pregnancy. Because our group has previously demonstrated the ability to detect individual bile acids through sebum sampling, we aimed to evaluate serial sebum sampling on patients with ICP receiving ursodiol treatment.

Study Design:
This was a prospective, observational cohort study of pregnant individuals with confirmed ICP (defined by total serum bile acids ≥10 mmol/L) from December 2023 to July 2024 at a single academic center. At the time of initial evaluation for ICP, sebum sampling was performed after preparation of the skin on the upper back to be sampled with an alcohol wipe cleanse. Three to five strips of sebutape® were placed for 15 minutes and removed. A second sampling was done at approximately 35-38 weeks at least 2 weeks after the initial analysis. Extraction of bile acids were performed through liquid chromatography mass spectrometry methods. Estimations are handled through the model with linear contrasts. P values and confidence intervals are adjusted for multiple comparisons through the Tukey-Kramer method with P< 0.05.

Results:

There were 32 patients with ICP evaluated with sebutape® samples.  Patients were predominantly Hispanic white (N=27) with mean gestational age at initial sebum sampling at 34.3±3.6 weeks and 36±1 weeks at subsequent sampling. Mean total serum bile acids was 30.1±20.2 at initial sampling and 26±25.3 at subsequent sampling. When comparing serial samples in those with ICP, a statistically significant decrease in levels of both glycocholic (P< 0.001) and taurodeoxycholic acid (P=0.01) were noted between initial and subsequent sampling as shown in the Table.

Conclusion:
Using a novel method of sebum sampling of the upper back through sebutape®, we have demonstrated a reduction in glycocholic acid and taurodeoxycholic acid at the level of the skin in those with ICP after treatment with ursodiol. These findings may inform future diagnosis, management, and treatment strategies for ICP.