Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy: Rare, but Potentially Fatal
Challenging differential diagnosis, Management of emergency care, Rare disease
Andreia de Vasconcelos Gaspar, Tânia C. Ascensão, Isabel Santos Silva
Obstetrics Service B, Bissaya Barreto Maternity, Coimbra University and Hospital Center, Coimbra, Portugal
Am J Case Rep 2020; 21:e921122
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.921122
Available online: 2020-01-24
Published: 2020-01-29
BACKGROUND:
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is an obstetric emergency characterized by liver dysfunction, which can lead to severe maternal and fetal complications.
CASE REPORT:
A 34-year-old woman, 37 weeks and 2 days pregnant, reported symptoms of nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and prostration. Laboratory findings revealed liver dysfunction and coagulopathy. A clinical diagnosis of acute fatty liver was made and an emergency cesarean section was performed. The postoperative period was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute hepatic and renal insufficiency, and pancreatitis.
CONCLUSIONS:
Early recognition of this pathology, the interruption of pregnancy, and intensive therapy led to a favorable outcome.
Keywords: Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, Fatty Liver, Liver Failure, Acute, Pregnancy
