Letter to the Editor : serum aminotransferase activity beyond 100 times the upper limit of normal value doesn't suggest acute fatty liver of pregnancy alone

Abstract Background: Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome are two uncommon disorders that mimic each other clinically, but are distinct pathophysiologically. This study aimed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between AFLP and HELLP syndrome.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary referral center in Taiwan between June 2004 and April 2020. We used the Swansea Criteria to diagnose AFLP, and the Tennessee Classification System to diagnose HELLP syndrome. Maternal characteristics, laboratory data, complications, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed.Results: During the study period, 21 women had AFLP and 80 women had HELLP syndrome. There was a higher rate of preeclampsia (95.0% versus 23.8%) in the HELLP syndrome group compared to the AFLP group. However, the AFLP group had more other maternal complications including jaundice (85.7% versus 13.8%), acute kidney injury (61.9% versus 15.0%), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (66.7% versus 8.8%), and sepsis (47.6% versus 10.0%) compared to the HELLP syndrome group. Nevertheless, higher rates of small for gestational age neonates (57.1% versus 33.3%), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (39.2% versus 8.3%) and neonatal sepsis (34.2% versus 12.5%) were noted in the HELLP syndrome group.Conclusions: AFLP is associated with a higher rate of multiple organ dysfunction in mothers, whereas HELLP syndrome is associated with a higher rate of neonatal morbidity.

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Sickle cell anaemia in vaso-occlusive crisis and acute fatty liver of pregnancy: a case report

Ghana Medical Journal ◽

10.4314/gmj.v54i3.12 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 54 (3) ◽

pp. 201-203

Author(s):

Michael Ezeanochie ◽

Oghenefegor Olokor ◽

Ofure Yamah

Keyword(s):

Case Report ◽

Fatty Liver ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Sickle Cell Anaemia ◽

Elevated Serum ◽

Simultaneous Occurrence ◽

Published Data ◽

Care Providers ◽

Delay In Diagnosis ◽

Acute Fatty Liver

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is an uncommon condition that manifests in the third trimester of pregnancy.Its association with vaso-occlusive crisis from Sickle Cell Anaemia is not common. Published data on the simultaneous occurrence of these two conditions is rare, hence this case report. A 32-year-old gravida 3 para 1+1 lady, with Sickle Cell Anaemia, had a vaso-occlusive crisis in association with AFLP at 32 weeks’ gestation, and the outcome of her management was successful. AFLP is a rare late-gestational event affecting about 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 pregnancies. The exact aetiology is not known. Profound hypoglycaemia and jaundice with elevated serum transaminases are recognized features of AFLP.These features may also be seen in haemoglobinopathies. The simultaneous occurrence of AFLP and Sickle Cell Anaemia may result in overlap of symptoms and delay in diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, maintaining a high index of suspicion is key. The cornerstone for treatment remains prompt delivery and supportive care. AFLP can coexist with Sickle cell crises. It is important that care providers, especially in populations with high burden of Sickle Cell Anaemia, consider this as a differential diagnosis, especially when the jaundice is associated with profound or recurring episodes of hypoglycaemia. Prompt diagnosis and delivery in a multidisciplinary approach is important to avoid adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.Keywords: Vaso-occlusive crises, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, hypoglycaemia, Sickle-cell anaemiaFunding: No funding sources

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