Hepatotis of pregnancy. A clinical study of 107 patients

Abstract

A series of 107 patients with hepatosis of pregnancy and 61 controls with normal pregnancy is reported. The delivery and the condition of the infant were the main objects of investigation. The hepatosis group was also examined for liver function, glucose tolerance, and daily urinary oestrogen. The duration of the first stage of delivery was found to be slightly shortened in the hepatosis group. Two cases (1.9%) of intrauterine death occurred in the hepatosis series, and the Apgar scores at 1 and 15 minutes were somewhat lower than in the control group. Birthweight was slightly lower in the hepatosis series, corresponding to the earlier date of delivery. 11.9% of the infants weighed less than 2.5 kg at birth. The absolute and relative weights of the placenta showed no differences. The histological examination of the placenta made on part of the series revealed maturing defects in 35%. The liver function tests confirmed the cholestatic nature of hepatosis observed earlier, yielding elevated values especially for aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. The thymol turbidity test was within the normal limits, which means that hepatitis could be excluded. Neither glucose tolerance, nor daily urinary oestrogen differed significantly from the normal. The fetal survival rate has been improved considerably by intensive care of hepatosis of pregnancy.