Liver Diseases in the Perinatal Period: Interactions Between Mother and Infant

Samar H Ibrahim1, Maureen M Jonas2, Sarah A Taylor3

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Insights

This review covers perinatal liver diseases in mothers and infants, focusing on neonatal acute liver failure, gestational alloimmune liver disease, and viral hepatitis transmission. It also examines maternal obesity

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal Medicine
  • Hepatology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Liver diseases in the mother-infant dyad can manifest from 20 weeks gestation to 28 days postpartum.
  • Existing literature lacks a comprehensive overview of diverse perinatal liver conditions and their management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current diagnostic and management strategies for neonatal acute liver failure.
  • To discuss advancements in diagnosing and managing gestational alloimmune liver disease.
  • To explore the implications of viral hepatitis transmission and emerging concepts in maternal health impacting offspring liver conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on perinatal liver diseases.
  • Synthesis of current approaches to neonatal acute liver failure.
  • Analysis of diagnostic and management progress in gestational alloimmune liver disease and viral hepatitis.

Main Results:

  • Neonatal acute liver failure requires timely diagnosis and management.
  • Gestational alloimmune liver disease diagnosis and treatment have seen progress.
  • Maternal health factors like obesity and nutrition influence offspring's nonalcoholic steatohepatitis risk.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of perinatal liver diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach.
  • Understanding mother-to-child transmission of viral hepatitis is crucial for public health.
  • Further research into maternal factors influencing fetal liver health is warranted.

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