Acute fatty liver of pregnancy: Analysis of five consecutive cases from a tertiary centre

Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy: Pathophysiology, Anesthetic Implications, and Obstetrical Management

A narrative review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, delivery implications, obstetric anesthesia care, and potential critical care needs in patients presenting with acute fatty liver of pregnancy.

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.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy: diagnosis, treatment, and outcome based on 35 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE

We describe our experience with the clinical diagnosis, management and, course of patients with acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP).

METHODS

During the period between January 1996 and June 2010, medical records of patients with AFLP were reviewed for symptoms, laboratory findings, clinical course, and maternal and perinatal outcomes. Routine laboratory evaluation included serial measurement of liver function tests, complete blood cell counts, coagulation profile, and renal function tests.

RESULTS

During the study period 35 women had AFLP as the discharge diagnosis. The mean gestational age at delivery was 36 weeks, 39% were nulliparous and 4 had multiple gestation. The most common presenting symptom was nausea/vomiting (88.5%), jaundice (71.4%), and abdominal pain (51.4%). Maternal morbidity included hypoglycemia (94.2%), renal failure (94.2%), coagulopathy (77.1%), ascites (48.5%), and encephalopathy (40%). There were four maternal deaths (11.4%) and five perinatal deaths (12.5%).

CONCLUSION

We found a typical 'AFLP-Triad' in women with AFLP. First (symptoms): nausea/vomiting, jaundice, epigastric pain; second (laboratory): results indicated renal dysfunction, coagulopathy, liver function abnormalities, low glycemia, and third (complications): renal failure, coagulopathy, ascites, and encephalopathy. We recommended that patients with this triad received evaluation to rule out the diagnosis of AFLP.