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11:08
The Use of Gas Chromatography to Analyze Compositional Changes of Fatty Acids in Rat Liver Tissue during Pregnancy
Published on: March 13, 2014
Pregnancy and the liver.
Misha Moore1, Catherine Nelson-Piercy
1Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Homerton University Hospital, London.
British Journal of Hospital Medicine (London, England : 2005)
|November 16, 2011
Summary
Pregnancy alters liver metabolism and physiology, affecting liver function tests. Diagnosis of liver disorders during pregnancy requires careful consideration of these physiological changes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Obstetrics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Pregnancy involves significant physiological changes impacting liver function and metabolism.
- Liver diseases in pregnancy can be specific to gestation or unrelated, requiring careful management for both mother and fetus.
- Altered liver metabolism during pregnancy includes decreased serum albumin and changes in liver enzyme levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological alterations in liver metabolism during pregnancy.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges posed by altered liver function tests in pregnant individuals.
- To highlight the importance of considering maternal and fetal well-being in managing liver diseases during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of physiological changes in the pregnant liver.
- Analysis of altered serum protein concentrations and liver enzyme levels during gestation.
- Discussion of diagnostic considerations for liver disorders in pregnancy.
Main Results:
- Serum albumin decreases due to increased plasma volume during pregnancy.
- Alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels decrease, complicating subtle liver disorder diagnosis.
- Placental production of alkaline phosphatase renders it an unreliable marker for liver dysfunction in pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy-induced physiological changes significantly alter liver function tests.
- Accurate diagnosis of liver conditions in pregnancy necessitates understanding these metabolic shifts.
- Management strategies must prioritize the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.
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