ABSTRACT
We report our experience with the diagnostic, clinical and biochemical findings, complications and maternal-perinatal outcome in a case of acute fatty liver of pregnancy. A 31-year-old multipara presented herself at 35 weeks' gestation with general malaise, gastroesophageal reflux, jaundice, hepatorenal dysfunction and disseminated intravascular coagulation. An abdominal ultrasound revealed a mild fatty liver. A tentative diagnosis of acute fatty liver of pregnancy was made, and immediately a healthy male infant weighing 2330 gm was delivered by emergency cesarean section. On 1, 2 and 6 days after delivery, oliguria, acute respiratory distress syndrome and pancreatitis developed, respectively. Abnormal levels of AST/ALT, creatinine, fibrinogen, PT/PTT and platelet recovered to normal ranges 7-10 days after delivery. Serum amylase and lipase became normal 24 days after delivery with conservative treatment. Ventilator care for acute respiratory distress syndrome continued up to 49 days after delivery, when total bilirubin, ammonia, alkaline phosphatase, r-GT, and AST/ALT began to normalize. The discharge was recommended on the 88th postpartum day. Our result suggests that acute fatty liver of pregnancy can be diagnosed on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. Prompt delivery, intensive supportive care and awareness of its complications can markedly improve maternal and perinatal outcome.