[Liver transplantation and pregnancy]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Liver transplantation is a common procedure, and managing the sexual and reproductive health of recipients is increasingly important.
• Women recipients face unique challenges related to graft function and immunosuppressive therapy throughout their reproductive lives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the management of sexual health, contraception, and pregnancy in female liver transplant recipients.
• To identify complications associated with the transplant status and immunosuppressive agents during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on contraception, fertility, pregnancy complications, and outcomes in liver transplant recipients.
• Analysis of maternal and fetal risks, including those related to immunosuppression and graft status.

Main Results:

• Fertility and contraception access are minimally affected by the liver graft.
• Maternal risks include hypertension, preeclampsia, renal dysfunction, diabetes, infections, and rejection; pregnancy does not significantly impact graft loss.
• Fetal risks include prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy in liver transplant recipients necessitates collaborative management between transplant specialists and perinatologists.
• Multidisciplinary care optimizes outcomes for both mother and child, leading to successful pregnancies in most cases.