Pregnancy in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic portal hypertension

The course of pregnancy in 1 patient with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and cirrhosis, and another with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is described. The management of pregnancy in these diseases associated with portal hypertension is discussed and risks of pregnancy are compared. The patient with CAH presented with anovulatory cycles, and ovulation occurred following immunosuppressive therapy. Both women experienced massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding from esophageal varices. Bleeding was difficult to control and required variceal ligation in 1. Both patients manifested features suggesting cerebral edema indicating the need for caution with fluid and electrolyte therapy. Recovery of the woman with CAH after termination of pregnancy was slow. Review of literature demonstrated that variceal bleeding occurred in 43% of women with EHPVO compared to 23% of those with CAH and cirrhosis. Additional complications including hepatocellular failure (24%) occurred in patients with CAH but not in EHPVO. The management of pregnancy in portal hypertension and advice for contraception or sterilization are discussed.