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Acute fatty liver of pregnancy in triplet gestation
K M Davidson1, L L Simpson, T A Knox
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. kdavidson@bics.bwh.harvard.edu
Background:
Acute fatty liver is reported to be more common in twin than in singleton pregnancies. We report three cases of biopsy-proven acute fatty liver in triplet gestations.
Cases:
In all three cases of acute fatty liver complicating triplet pregnancies, the presenting features were vague abdominal complaints with elevated hepatic aminotransferase levels. A liver biopsy was performed in each case, and cesareans were performed immediately after the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Clinical resolution occurred in all cases, and all infants did well in the neonatal period.
Conclusion:
Patients with triplet gestations should be monitored closely for the early signs of acute fatty liver. Triplet gestations may contribute to the onset of acute fatty liver by further stressing the fatty acid oxidation capabilities of the susceptible woman.