Acute fatty liver of pregnancy leading to a delayed hepatic failure necessitating liver transplantation: A case report

Abstract

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a potentially fatal metabolic disorder in pregnant patients that requires urgent delivery and aggressive medical and aesthetic management of maternal complications associated with acute liver failure. A 41-year-old female (79 kg) G1P0 at 31 weeks gestation presented with nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and jaundice. A diagnosis of severe liver dysfunction secondary to AFLP was made. We proceeded with urgent delivery under general anaesthesia. The patient had an uncomplicated caesarean section and gave birth to female infant with Apgar scores of 7 and 8. The patient remained stable for the following 2 weeks, however, given the lack of further recovery of hepatic function, a transjugular liver biopsy was performed, revealing persistent AFLP. She received N-acetylcysteine infusion and 4 cycles of plasma exchange with no improvement. Over the next few days her mental status worsened and her liver functions further deteriorated. She was listed for a deceased liver donor transplant and underwent successful orthotopic liver transplantation. She was discharged on post-operative day (POD) 14 of liver transplant.