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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
The Use of Gas Chromatography to Analyze Compositional Changes of Fatty Acids in Rat Liver Tissue during Pregnancy
Published on: March 13, 2014
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy in 3 tertiary care centers
Michael F Fesenmeier1, Kristin H Coppage, Donna S Lambers
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0526, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine the demographics, clinical presentation, and maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients who were diagnosed with acute fatty liver of pregnancy over a 10-year period.
Study Design:
This was a multicenter retrospective study of women with the diagnosis of acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Records were reviewed for symptoms, laboratory findings, clinical course, and maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Results:
Sixteen cases of acute fatty liver of pregnancy were identified. Three of the 16 cases had multiple gestations (18%). Eleven of the 16 cases were diagnosed in the antepartum period, and 5 cases were diagnosed within 4 days after delivery. Nausea and vomiting were the most common symptoms (75%). There were 2 maternal deaths (12.5%) and 3 fetal deaths (15%).
Conclusion:
We recommend that patients with persistent nausea, vomiting, or epigastric pain in the third trimester receive evaluation of liver enzymes, renal function, and a complete blood count to rule out the diagnosis of acute fatty liver of pregnancy.