A Case of Hepatitis in Pregnancy

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is rare, and the diagnosis is not always clear-cut. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for the pregnant mother and fetus. Frequent pregnancy testing of women in childbearing years who have a known diagnosis of AIH may be necessary, even after counseling on family planning takes place. Close evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach are essential in pregnancy as disease sequelae can become progressive. We report an interesting case of hepatitis in pregnancy, with an eventful clinical history. The patient in hand was started on treatment with a positive response to steroids. The liver biopsy was not confirmatory, but the laboratory results and the clinical scenario pointed to autoimmune etiology. We wish to share relevant management lessons and highlight important caveats of learning for future clinical relevance, as well as the importance of a liver biopsy.