Fatty Liver and Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy

[chf]

I was diagnosed witþ fatty liver disease at the same time
I found out that I was pregnant.  The elevated liver function
tests were done before I conceived. The diagnosis was confirmed
by ultrasound.  I am 40 years old.  I've
researched fatty liver disease and Acute Fatty liver disease
of pregnancy, but I haven't seen any information on whether
there is a link between tþe two.

This is my second child.  There were no problems with the first
pregnancy.

Does my pre-existing fatty liver disease predispose me to
acute fatty liver of pregnancy?  

I am under the care of an obgyn and a gastroenterologist.
I'm just looking for another opinion.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy, usually close to term.  Although an association is possible, I was unable to find data supporting a link between acute fatty liver and acute fatty liver of pregnancy.  

The treatment of acute fatty liver of pregnancy is delivery after maternal stabilization.  A definitive diagnosis is obtain via liver biopsy, but this is uncommonly done during pregnancy.  You may want to discuss this with your personal physician.

If the fatty liver persists after delivery, then it is likely acute fatty liver, rather than acute fatty liver of pregnancy.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.