What is acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)?

AFLP may be a rare, but serious, liver problem in pregnancy. With AFLP the liver cells have an excessive amount of fat, which may damage the liver.

What causes acute fatty liver of pregnancy?

Healthcare providers don’t know the precise explanation for AFLP. Fats called triglycerides and fatty acids are normally weakened within the liver. But with AFLP your body makes an excessive amount of of those . Research shows that AFLP could also be an inherited problem with how the liver breaks down fats.

Who is in danger for acute liver disease of pregnancy?

AFLP is rare, but it's more likely if you are:

Ø  Having your first pregnancy

Ø  Pregnant with twins or more

Ø  Pregnant with a boy

Ø  Thin

There is an opportunity that AFLP can happen again with a future pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of acute liver disease of pregnancy?

AFLP usually starts late within the trimester of pregnancy. These are the most common symptoms of AFLP:

Ø  Nausea and vomiting

Ø  Belly pain, especially in the top right side

Ø  Feeling unwell (malaise)

Ø  Headache

Ø  Tiredness

Ø  Confusion

Ø  Yellowing of skin, eyes, and mucous membranes (jaundice)

The symptoms of acute liver disease of pregnancy may appear as if other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is acute fatty liver of pregnancy diagnosed?

To diagnose AFLP, your healthcare provider will review your health history and do a physical exam. The best thanks to diagnose AFLP is by a liver biopsy. This involves taking a sample of liver tissue for exam under a microscope. This may not always be possible in pregnancy. Most often, your symptoms of AFLP are enough to diagnose the condition. Blood tests can check for other conditions that have similar symptoms. Other tests that may be used include:

Ø     Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves and a computer to form images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs.

Ø     CT scan. This test uses a mixture of X-rays and a computer to form detailed images of the body.

How is acute fatty liver of pregnancy treated?

Once AFLP is diagnosed, your baby is delivered as quickly as possible. This can help lower the risks to you and your baby. You may got to be in medical care for several days after delivery. In most cases, your liver function returns to normal within a couple of weeks.

What are possible complications of acute liver disease of pregnancy?

Both you and your developing baby can become very sick if AFLP isn't treated. You can have liver failure, severe bleeding, renal failure , and severe infection. These are often life-threatening for both you and your baby. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment is important.

What am i able to do to stop acute liver disease of pregnancy?

Acute liver disease of pregnancy may be a serious condition that can’t be predicted or prevented.

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