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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Fatty Liver and Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.

Fatty Liver and Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy

by chf, Jan 09, 2004 12:00AM
I was diagnosed witþ fatty liver disease at the same time

I found out that I was pregnant.  The elevated liver function

tests were done before I conceived. The diagnosis was confirmed

by ultrasound.  I am 40 years old.  I've

researched fatty liver disease and Acute Fatty liver disease

of pregnancy, but I haven't seen any information on whether

there is a link between tþe two.



This is my second child.  There were no problems with the first

pregnancy.



Does my pre-existing fatty liver disease predispose me to

acute fatty liver of pregnancy?  



I am under the care of an obgyn and a gastroenterologist.

I'm just looking for another opinion.



by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 12, 2004 12:00AM
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy, usually close to term.  Although an association is possible, I was unable to find data supporting a link between acute fatty liver and acute fatty liver of pregnancy.  



The treatment of acute fatty liver of pregnancy is delivery after maternal stabilization.  A definitive diagnosis is obtain via liver biopsy, but this is uncommonly done during pregnancy.  You may want to discuss this with your personal physician.



If the fatty liver persists after delivery, then it is likely acute fatty liver, rather than acute fatty liver of pregnancy.  



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.
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