Effect of abnormal liver function test on maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnancy: observational study

ABSTRACT

Background: The present study was conducted with the objective to assess the spectrum of liver disease in pregnancy, and its course and effect on maternal and fetal outcomes.Methods: The present study was conducted as a prospective follow up study in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, J. K. Hospital for a period of 1 year. The pregnant women between the ages of 18-35 years presenting with symptoms suggestive of underlying liver disease were selected. Socio demographic details and clinical history was obtained from all the participants and they were subjected to liver function test (LFT). All patients were followed till 2 weeks post-partum period. The maternal and fetal outcomes were noted.Results: The following results were obtained pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was the most common cause of abnormal LFT (46.66%), about 57.5% patients delivered at term, 63.3% patients delivered vaginally, mostly cases delivered a term healthy neonate between 2.5-3.0 kg weight with Apgar score >7 at 5 minutes after birth and maternal complications were seen in 10.82% cases.Conclusions: Our study shows that though liver disease is uncommon in Indian pregnant women, but it is associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity. A high index of suspicion of liver disease, early diagnosis, prompt referral to a higher centre when required, appropriate supportive management, and a proactive policy of early delivery when indicated may improve the maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with liver disease. Thus LFT should be conducted as a routine investigation in all pregnant females during first and second trimester.