[Pregnancy after hepatic transplantation. 17 pregnancies]

Abstract

The number of orthotopic liver transplantations (OLT) is increasing and longterm survival is improving. More women recipients may choose to become pregnant. We report a one-center experience with the course and outcome of 17 pregnancies in 17 liver transplant out of 675 OLT since 1985. 10 women delivered of 10 healthy infants at 38 +/- 1.5 week's gestation. There was no preterm delivery and the mean birth weight was 2.990 +/- 370 g, birth weight was adequate for gestational age in any case. Four cesarean sections were performed for obstetrical indications. No congenital anomalies occurred in the children. Hypertension occurred in 2 out of twelve patients and appeared as the main complication to deal with. There was one case with graft function impairment at 37 weeks' gestation. One uncomplicated pregnancy is ongoing at 29 weeks' gestation. There were 4 spontaneous and 2 therapeutic abortions for impaired liver function. Pregnancy is successful in a large proportion of these patients but must be planned and managed as high-risk situations by an obstetrician and a specialist of the liver transplant. Pregnancy should be advised against in patients with poor liver function or active viral infection; a 12 months interval from OLT to pregnancy is since to be the minimal requirement. Post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy consisted of azathioprine, corticosteroids and ciclosporin A, and was maintained throughout pregnancy. Genetic counselling should be provided when the primary liver disease is inherited. This being said, as shown by the results of our study and those reported in the literature, pregnancy is not only feasible but also successful in a large proportion of OLT recipients.