Acute fatty liver of pregnancy: a case report

Jaundice in pregnancy can be caused by many conditions which can be either related to or not related to pregnancy. Intra hepatic-cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), HELLP syndrome, and AFLP are diseases associated with pregnancy. Acute viral hepatitis with or without Liver failure, worsening of any underlying chronic liver disease or any tropical fever syndromes are the conditions which can occur during pregnancy but are not peculiarly associated with pregnancy. Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy is a rare disorder of pregnancy occurs in 1 in more than 10,000 deliveries with high mortality rate of approx. 12.5-18% ( Ch’Ng, 2002; Rajasri et al., 2007). It usually occurs in 3rd trimester or in immediate post-partum period. Diagnosis is usually made on exclusion of other potential causes and is usually clinical. Urgent diagnosis is important as timely intervention with early delivery and supportive care, improves the maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity.