Acute fatty liver of pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is considered an uncommon but grave complication occurring typically in the third trimester of pregnancy. AFLP can clinically range from presenting vague symptoms to causing acute liver failure and, ultimately, death if untreated. Objective: Report the findings that allowed the diagnosis and prompt treatment of AFLP by the Obstetric Intensive Care Unit of a patient who went to a second-level hospital in the state of Sinaloa. Methods and results: A search was performed using PubMed, Europe PMC, and EBSCO on the diagnosis and management of AFLP. Seven articles were found from 2017 to 2022, of which information was drawn, conclusions, and recommendations were made. Conclusions: AFLP is a rare entity that simulates the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, preeclampsia, and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. Due to the difficulty of performing a liver biopsy, the diagnosis is made based on the Swansea criteria. This includes various characteristic symptoms, laboratory, and imaging findings.