Liver Diseases in Pregnancy

Diagnosis of Liver Diseases in Pregnant Women

Liver diseases during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from pregnancy-specific disorders to preexisting liver disease. Accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure maternal and fetal health.

Common Liver Diseases in Pregnancy

• Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) – Characterized by itching and elevated bile acids.
• HELLP Syndrome – A severe condition involving hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.
• Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP) – A rare but life-threatening complication with hepatic dysfunction.

Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment

Diagnosis includes biochemical markers such as liver function tests (LFTs), imaging techniques, and clinical symptoms.

Diagnostic Tools:

• Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
• Ultrasound Imaging
• Serum Bile Acid Measurement

Management Strategies

Management involves supportive care, monitoring liver function, and considering early delivery in severe cases.