Pregnancy & Fatty Liver Risks

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy may appear during the third trimester.

While acute fatty liver of pregnancy is uncommon, it can have fatal side effects if not accurately diagnosed and treated. Supportive maternal care and early delivery are necessary for an optimal outcome for both mother and baby.

Significance

According to the March of Dimes, acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a rare but life-threatening condition in which fat builds up in the cells in the liver. It affects about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 15,000 pregnant women. The exact cause of the disorder is unknown.

Risks

Severe consequences may occur if fatty liver of pregnancy is not recognized, diagnosed and treated properly and promptly. These include coma, organ failure and death of mother and baby.

Symptoms

Symptoms of fatty liver of pregnancy are typically noticed in the third trimester and include headache, persistent nausea and vomiting, jaundice, pain in the stomach or upper abdomen, and general malaise.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Blood tests to measure liver and kidney functions can diagnose the condition. Once diagnosed, a woman may need blood transfusions to stabilize her condition, and the baby will be delivered as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

Recurrence

After delivery, women with fatty liver of pregnancy will not see prolonged effects or suffer lasting harm. Those who carry a gene for a fatty acid oxidation defect have an increased risk of the disorder recurring in subsequent pregnancies.

References

• March of Dimes
• NCBI