What Causes Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy?
Apr 25, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Qiong
Introduction
Currently, the exact etiology of acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) remains unclear. Most experts believe it is triggered by hormonal changes. Upon stimulation, these changes lead to the accumulation of free fatty acids in multiple organs—including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and brain—resulting in multi-organ dysfunction. AFLP typically occurs between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation, especially around week 35, and is more common in primiparous women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, twin pregnancies, or male fetuses.
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur during pregnancy, often accompanied by a range of complications. Early recognition and appropriate management prior to disease onset are crucial; otherwise, fetal growth and development may be adversely affected, and fetal hypoxia may ensue. So, what causes acute fatty liver of pregnancy?
What Causes Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy?
Hormonal changes: The exact etiology of AFLP remains unclear. However, most experts believe it is closely associated with hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy. These hormonal shifts may trigger abnormal metabolism, leading to excessive accumulation of free fatty acids in vital organs—including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and brain—resulting in multi-organ dysfunction. AFLP typically occurs between weeks 28 and 40 of gestation, especially around week 35, and is more common in women with preeclampsia, those carrying twins, or those carrying male fetuses—particularly in primiparous women.
Unhealthy dietary habits: Poor eating patterns during pregnancy can also contribute to the development of AFLP. A primary contributing factor is overeating or binge-eating behavior, which significantly increases hepatic metabolic load and overall physiological stress, thereby predisposing to AFLP. This form of AFLP shares clinical and pathological similarities with obesity-related fatty liver disease.
Following the onset of AFLP, pregnant women commonly experience persistent symptoms including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, upper abdominal pain, and headache. Because these symptoms overlap significantly with those of other gastrointestinal disorders, careful differential diagnosis and thorough evaluation are essential. The most serious consequence of AFLP for pregnancy is the necessity for pregnancy termination. Pregnant women diagnosed with AFLP should strictly follow medical advice and avoid misjudgment, which could lead to severe maternal and fetal complications. We hope this information has been helpful!
