Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
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
30.2K
Hepatic infarction in pregnancy: a systematic review
Bryce T Munter1, Angela R Boyd1, Raphaela Tchani1
1University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX (Drs Munter and Boyd, Ms Tchani and Dr Ramsey).
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM
|April 15, 2024
Summary
Hepatic infarction in pregnancy is rare but linked to HELLP syndrome. Prompt diagnosis via CT scans and management including anticoagulation and steroids are crucial for maternal and fetal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hepatology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Hepatic infarction is a rare pregnancy complication, often associated with Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome.
- Understanding risk factors, diagnostic methods, and management strategies is crucial for improving outcomes.
Approach:
- A systematic review of published case reviews and series was conducted.
- Literature search included PubMed and MEDLINE (Ovid) from database inception to December 18, 2023.
- Included studies were evaluated for bias using a standardized tool.
Key Points:
- 38 citations involving 50 pregnancies were analyzed, with 34% having a history of hypertensive disease and 26% having antiphospholipid syndrome.
- Common symptoms include epigastric/right upper quadrant pain (78%) and transaminitis (64%).
- Computed tomography (CT) scans confirmed diagnosis in 58% of cases; management involved multimodal therapy including anticoagulation (45%) and steroids (39%).
Conclusions:
- Hepatic infarction should be suspected in HELLP syndrome cases, particularly in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome presenting with abdominal pain.
- CT scan is a primary diagnostic tool.
- Prompt, multimodal management, including anticoagulation and steroids, is recommended.
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