Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy What is acute fatty liver of
pregnancy (AFLP)? Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a rare, but
serious, condition of pregnancy in which there is an excessive
accumulation of fat in the liver or liver cells. Fat normally
accumulates in the liver in the form of triglycerides and fatty
acids, but excessive fat can cause liver damage. AFLP is quite
rare, however, it is a serious condition that cannot be
predicted or prevented. What causes acute fatty liver of
pregnancy? The cause of AFLP is unknown. It is thought that
hormones of pregnancy play a role in this condition, but there
does not seem to be an increased risk for future pregnancies.
Why is acute fatty liver of pregnancy a concern? Both mother and
fetus are at extremely high risk if AFLP is not treated. Liver
failure, hemorrhage, kidney failure, and severe infection can be
life threatening for the mother and fetus. Fortunately, early
diagnosis and treatment helps to improve outcomes. What are the
symptoms of acute fatty liver o