Fatty Liver in Pregnancy

Excerpt

Pregnancy-related liver disease includes several distinct liver disorders that affect different stages of pregnancy; these include acute fatty liver of pregnancy, pre-eclamptic liver dysfunction, and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome (HELLP).

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a relatively rare complication of pregnancy, with an incidence of approximately 5 cases per 100000 pregnancies. It usually presents in late pregnancy and can result in maternal or fetal complications. It is characterized by acute liver dysfunction due to fatty infiltration of liver parenchyma, which can precipitate coagulopathy, electrolyte imbalance, and multi-organ failure. Early recognition and treatment of this disease entity are essential as it carries high morbidity and mortality. Along with supportive care for the mother, delivery of the fetus is the only definitive treatment of this condition.