Clinical characteristics of fulminant hepatitis in pregnancy

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the clinical characteristics of fulminant hepatitis in pregnancy. Methods: We compared and analyzed the etiology, clinical characteristics, and laboratory examinations of 25 cases of fulminant hepatitis in pregnancy and 30 cases of fulminant hepatitis not in pregnancy. Results: HBV infection and chronic fulminant hepatitis were most common both in the pregnant and in the non-pregnant groups. Jaundice, digestive tract symptoms, increase of bilirubin and thrombinogen activity were the main manifestations. The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and hepato-renal syndrome (HRS) was significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of preterm labor, dead fetus and neonatal asphyxia was high. Conclusion: Fulminant hepatitis is likely to occur in late pregnancy with more severe complications, which significantly influences maternity, perinatal fetus, and newborn. © 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.