Interpretation and management of hepatic abnormalities in pregnancy

The spectrum of liver disease in pregnancy includes liver disease unrelated to pregnancy, liver diseases that occur with increased frequency or severity in pregnancy, and liver disease specific to pregnancy. Diseases of the liver unique to pregnancy reliably occur at specific points in the gestational spectrum. Thus, gestational age, a comprehensive history, and a clinically driven diagnostic evaluation is critical in approaching a pregnant patient with abnormal liver chemistries or function. Early recognition of these conditions is important and although management may be expectant, some patients require targeted therapy or necessitate prompt delivery, which can be life-saving to both mother and child.