A case of fatal acute fatty liver of pregnancy and literature review

Abstract

AFLP, though rare, is an obstetric emergency which carries a high incidence of maternal and perinatal mortality, despite optimal care. We report a case of a 23-year-old primi mother, who presented to us with vague symptoms of feeling unwell and abdominal pain, was diagnosed with AFLP, and was managed accordingly with the highest level of care available but succumbed a few days into her illness though timely delivery was able to save the baby. By this case report we once again wish to emphasize the value of a timely diagnosis with a high level of clinical suspicion and supportive laboratory investigations including imaging; the need for early termination of pregnancy; and adequate supportive care as the key management options for AFLP. Further, we wish to explore the current treatment options available for AFLP and discuss a few novel therapeutic strategies such as plasma exchange in treating such cases and the pros and cons associated with these treatment modalities.

Hígado graso agudo en el embarazo

“…El desarrollo de esta patología se ha asociado a diversos factores de riesgo, tales como: embarazos múltiples, el uso prolongado del ácido acetil salicílico, edad materna avanzada, producto masculino, obesidad y madres primigestas (2,5). Sin embargo, a pesar de los múltiples factores de riesgo vinculados al desarrollo de la enfermedad, no hay factores predictores que se manifiesten durante el transcurso de la gestación para prevenir el progreso del trastorno.…”