Hepatic cirrhosis with portal hypertension secondary to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and autoimmune hepatitis in pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Previously, women with cirrhosis rarely became pregnant due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. However, with advancements in the care of patients with chronic liver disease, pregnancy is becoming more common in this cohort. We will outline the complex, multidisciplinary approach toward managing an obstetrics patient with portal hypertension in the context of previously decompensated liver cirrhosis. Case Report: A 29-year-old primigravida woman was referred to the Obstetric Medicine Clinic with an unplanned pregnancy at 16 weeks’ gestation. This was on a background of previously decompensated liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, in the context of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and autoimmune hepatitis. The patient had one upper gastrointestinal bleed at 19 weeks’ gestation and underwent three gastroscopies throughout her pregnancy. At 32+6 weeks gestation, she had an elective lower uterine segment Caesarean Section and delivered a healthy liveborn female. Conclusion: Currently, there are no studies that explore pregnancy outcomes in women with cirrhosis secondary to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This case describes the pregnancy of a woman with previously decompensated liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, in the context of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and explores the associated management dilemmas.