Pregnancy in liver transplant recipients: course and outcome in 19 cases

Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the course and outcome of pregnancy in orthotopic liver transplant recipients.

Study design: We report the course and outcome of 19 pregnancies in 19 orthotopic recipients since 1985, out of 775 patients who have undergone liver transplant in our center. Statistical analysis was based on the chi 2 test with a 95% confidence interval, when appropriate.

Results: There were four spontaneous abortions and three therapeutic abortions for impaired liver function. One current pregnancy is uncomplicated at 19 weeks' gestation. Eleven women have given birth to 11 healthy infants at 38 +/- 1.5 weeks' gestation. There were no preterm deliveries. Birth weight was normal for gestational age in 10 of the 11 cases, with a mean value of 2990 +/- 370 gm. The main complications in the 11 successful pregnancies were hypertension in three and graft dysfunction at 37 weeks' gestation in another.

Conclusion: Pregnancy is successful in a large proportion of liver transplant recipients, but it must be planned and managed as a high-risk situation by both an obstetrician and a surgeon.