Healthcare providers don’t know the exact cause of AFLP. Fats called triglycerides and fatty acids are normally broken down in the liver. But with AFLP your body makes too much of these. Research shows that AFLP may be an inherited problem with how the liver breaks down fats.
There is a chance that AFLP can happen again with a future pregnancy.
The symptoms of acute fatty liver of pregnancy may look like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves and a computer to make images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs.
CT scan. This test uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body.
Once AFLP is diagnosed, your baby is delivered as quickly as possible. This can help lower the risks to you and your baby. You may need to be in intensive care for several days after delivery. In most cases, your liver function returns to normal within a few weeks.
Both you and your developing baby can become very sick if AFLP is not treated. You can have liver failure, severe bleeding, kidney failure, and severe infection. These can be life-threatening for both you and your baby. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment is important.
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a serious condition that can’t be predicted or prevented.
AFLP is a rare but serious liver problem in which there is too much fat in the liver or liver cells.
Healthcare providers don't know the exact cause of AFLP.
AFLP is more common in first pregnancies.
A liver biopsy is the best way to diagnose AFLP.
Once the condition is diagnosed, the baby is delivered as quickly as possible to lower the risks to mother and baby.