Cirrhosis and pregnancy: a single centre experience

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Obstetrics
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Cirrhosis, the advanced stage of liver fibrosis, significantly impacts female reproductive health and lifespan.
• Managing pregnancy in women with cirrhosis presents unique challenges for both maternal and fetal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by liver cirrhosis.
• To assess the role of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score in predicting pregnancy complications.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review was conducted.
• Data from 20 pregnant women with liver cirrhosis were analyzed over a 12-year period at a tertiary care center.

Main Results:

• Chronic hepatitis B was the most common cause of cirrhosis (25%).
• The average MELD score was 8.8 ± 3.5.
• Fetal demise occurred in 10% of cases, with higher MELD scores associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy in women with liver cirrhosis can be successful with appropriate management and close follow-up.
• The MELD score is a significant predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant patients with cirrhosis.