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Related Experiment Videos

Liver problems in pregnancy: distinguishing normal from abnormal hepatic changes

G T Everson1

  • 1University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colo, USA.

Medscape Women'S Health
|September 10, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Pregnancy can alter liver function, with impaired clearance of certain compounds in late gestation. Physiological changes like increased blood flow and lipid accumulation may affect liver health and contribute to gallstone formation.

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Hepatology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Liver function is typically normal during pregnancy, but abnormal tests occur in 10% of cases.
  • Physiological changes in pregnancy include increased body water and cardiac output, with blood shunted to the fetoplacental unit.
  • Lipid metabolism is altered, with rising serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels from the second trimester, peaking at term.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate changes in hepatic excretory function during human pregnancy.
  • To assess the impact of pregnancy on the clearance of compounds metabolized by the liver.
  • To understand the mechanisms behind gallstone formation in pregnant women.

Main Methods:

  • Assessment of hepatic excretory function using bromosulfophthalein (BSP) and bilirubin tolerance tests.

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  • Analysis of serum lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglycerides) throughout pregnancy.
  • Histologic and chemical analysis of liver tissue samples.

    • Main Results:

    • Hepatic excretion of BSP and bilirubin is impaired in the latter half of normal pregnancy.
    • Clearance of compounds cleared via microsomal oxidation or biliary secretion may be reduced.
    • Cholesterol and triglycerides accumulate in the liver during pregnancy, potentially serving as a metabolic fuel reserve.
    • Enlarged gallbladder and bile supersaturation with cholesterol are implicated in gallstone formation.

    Conclusions:

    • Liver metabolic and excretory functions are altered in late pregnancy.
    • Physiological adaptations during pregnancy, including lipid accumulation, may predispose women to gallstones.
    • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the impact of pregnancy on liver function and related conditions.