Acute fatty liver of pregnancy and concomitant medical conditions: A review of cases at a quaternary obstetric hospital

Abstract

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a rare complication of pregnancy that may result in fulminant hepatic failure. We present a review of all patients presenting to a quaternary obstetric hospital over a 15-year period, with particular regard to biochemical changes, results of gene testing, and pre-existing conditions. Seventeen patients with acute fatty liver of pregnancy were identified. Six patients were documented to have pre-existing gastrointestinal disease; five with inflammatory bowel disease, and one with influenza A hepatitis. Antithrombin III levels were low in this study, consistent with previously published data. There were no recurrences of acute fatty liver of pregnancy in nine subsequent pregnancies to seven mothers. The authors are not aware of any literature addressing pre-existing medical conditions which may predispose to acute fatty liver of pregnancy.