Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
- Author: Michael J Barsoom, MD, FACOG; Chief Editor: David Chelmow, MD more...
Background
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a serious complication unique to pregnancy first described by Sheehan in 1940.[1] It is characterized by microvesicular steatosis in the liver. The foremost cause of AFLP is thought to be due to a mitochondrial dysfunction in the oxidation of fatty acids leading to an accumulation in hepatocytes. The infiltration of fatty acids causes acute liver insufficiency, which leads to most of the symptoms that present in this condition. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, AFLP can result in high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Pathophysiology
The exact pathophysiology of AFLP is unknown. AFLP is unique to pregnancy. There does not appear to be a predilection for any geographical area or race. It appears to occur more commonly in primiparous women than multiparous women.
Women who develop AFLP are more likely to have a heterozygous long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency. LCHAD is found on the mitochondrial membrane and is involved in the beta oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. This gene mutation is recessive; therefore, outside of pregnancy under normal physiological conditions, women have normal fatty acid oxidation. However, if the fetus is homozygous for this mutation, it will be unable to oxidize fatty acids. These acids are passed to the mother, who, because of diminished enzyme function, cannot metabolize the additional fatty acids. This results in hepatic strain leading to the development of AFLP, which can be relieved by delivery of the infant.[2]
Epidemiology
Frequency
United States
AFLP affects 1 in 7000 to 1 in 16,000 deliveries. There is a predilection for nulliparous women and women with multiple gestations.
Mortality/Morbidity
Due to advances in diagnostic strategies and supportive care, maternal mortality and perinatal morbidity of AFLP has declined. In the 1980s, Kaplan reported a mortality rate for both mother and fetus of about 85%.[3] Maternal mortality is now estimated to be 12.5-18%, with a neonatal mortality rate of 7-66%.[4, 5]
While laboratory abnormalities may persist after delivery, in rare cases patients may progress to hepatic failure with the need for liver transplantation.[6]
Morbidity of the infant includes increased risk of cardiomyopathy, neuropathy, myopathy, nonketotic hypoglycemia, hepatic failure, and death associated with fatty acid oxidation defects in newborns.
Race
No ethnic or regional variability is apparent.
Sex
This condition is unique to pregnancy and therefore only affects women.
Age
This condition can affect any woman of child-bearing age.
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