Idiopathic fatty liver of pregnancy with maternal and fetal survival

Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy1

Six further cases of acute fatty liver of pregnancy are presented and discussed in relation to the world literature on this rare disease of pregnancy, the aetiology of which is still unknown. The importance of vomiting in late pregnancy is emphasized. A common feature seems to be a metabolic stress, possibly related to infection, which tips a susceptible liver into metabolic failure.

Effect of caesarean section on maternal and foetal outcomes in acute fatty liver of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Several studies have reported a positive association between caesarean section for expeditious pregnancy termination and perinatal outcomes in acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP); however, the risks remain unclear and independent studies have reported conflicting findings. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to confirm the relationship between caesarean section and perinatal outcomes in AFLP. The PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched (until July 17, 2015) for observational clinical studies focusing on the association between caesarean section and perinatal outcomes in AFLP. Data were extracted and processed independently by 2 authors. We also compared caesarean section with vaginal delivery to further investigate this relationship. We observed that 2 of the 3 primary outcomes in caesarean section exhibited positive effects-the maternal mortality rate was 44% lower (relative risk [RR], 0.56 [0.41-0.76]) and perinatal mortality rate was also reduced (RR, 0.52 [0.38-0.71]), compared to those for vaginal delivery. We did not find any associations between caesarean section and perinatal outcomes in AFLP in terms of neonatal mortality type and maternal multiple organ complications. These findings emphasise the significant prognostic value and clinical implications of caesarean section in AFLP, and suggest that the adverse outcomes should be reduced.

Does early diagnosis and delivery in acute fatty liver of pregnancy lead to improvement in maternal and infant survival?

Two cases of acute fatty liver of pregnancy resulting in maternal and infant survival are described. There have only been six such cases reported previously. The two described here are unique because the diagnosis was made prepartum by an oil red O stain of a frozen section of a liver biopsy, and the patients were promptly delivered by cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The role of early diagnosis and delivery in this disease is discussed.

Non-fatal acute fatty liver of pregnancy

Four patients are described, admitted during a three-year period, who recovered from acute fatty liver of pregnancy; vomiting and jaundice were the main manifestations of the disease; coma and anuria were absent. During the same period, we observed one patient who died of acute fatty liver of pregnancy. This experience suggests that the non-fatal form of the disorder may be much commoner than the fatal form.