Caring for the woman with acute fatty liver of pregnancy

J Perinat Neonatal Nurs. 2015 Jan-Mar;29(1):32-40. doi: 10.1097/JPN.0000000000000076.

Abstract

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy, although rare, is usually a third trimester of pregnancy occurrence that may be life threatening for both the pregnant woman and the fetus. Often, the onset resembles gastroenteritis or cholecystitis and correct diagnosis is delayed. Because it can also present with preeclampsia and eclampsia, it may be mistakenly diagnosed as hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet syndrome. This article presents diagnostic differences between liver conditions that can complicate pregnancy and management strategies for treating and maintaining the well-being of pregnant women, fetuses, and infants who are affected by acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Early recognition and rapid intervention from antepartum diagnosis through delivery and the postpartum period are required by the nursing team and medical providers to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Delayed Diagnosis / adverse effects
  • Delayed Diagnosis / prevention & control
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Management
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Early Medical Intervention / methods
  • Fatty Liver* / diagnosis
  • Fatty Liver* / etiology
  • Fatty Liver* / physiopathology
  • Female
  • HELLP Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Liver Function Tests / methods
  • Long-Chain-3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase / genetics
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications* / etiology
  • Pregnancy Complications* / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy Outcome

Substances

  • Long-Chain-3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase

Supplementary concepts

  • Acute fatty liver of pregnancy