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Liver disease associated with pregnancy.
1University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Philadelphia 19104.
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Pregnancy alters liver function, with unique disorders like intrahepatic cholestasis and acute fatty liver. Timely diagnosis and management are crucial for maternal and fetal health.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hepatology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Pregnancy significantly impacts liver function, affecting serum enzyme levels.
- Physiologic and biochemical changes during pregnancy are partly mediated by anabolic steroids.
- Specific liver conditions unique to pregnancy require careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight key liver disorders specific to pregnancy.
- To emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of these conditions.
- To underscore the impact of untreated hepatic disorders on maternal and fetal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of physiological changes in liver function during pregnancy.
- Identification and description of pregnancy-specific liver diseases.
- Analysis of the clinical implications of delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy is characterized by altered liver enzyme profiles.
- Unique hepatic disorders include intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia-associated hepatic dysfunction.
- Untreated pregnancy-related liver disorders adversely affect maternal and fetal outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must be vigilant in diagnosing pregnancy-specific liver disorders.
- Timely and appropriate management is essential for improving maternal and fetal prognoses.
- Early intervention significantly mitigates risks associated with hepatic dysfunction in pregnancy.