Medical and Obstetric Complications Among Pregnant Women With Liver Cirrhosis

Outcomes of pregnancies complicated by cirrhosis: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although pregnancy complicated by liver cirrhosis is rare, women with cirrhosis experience increased adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in women with liver cirrhosis and develop a predictive model using maternal factors for preterm birth in such pregnancies.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on pregnancy outcomes of a cirrhosis group (n = 43) and a non-cirrhosis group (n = 172) in a university hospital between 2010 and 2022. Logistic regression evaluated pregnancy outcomes, and a forward stepwise logistic regression model was designed to predict preterm birth in pregnant women with cirrhosis. The model's predictive performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The incidence of cirrhosis during pregnancy was 0.06% (50/81,554). Pregnant women with cirrhosis faced increased risks of cesarean section, preterm birth, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, thrombocytopenia, and postpartum hemorrhage. In pregnant women with cirrhosis, preterm birth risk significantly increased at an incidence rate of 46.51% (20/43). According to the prediction model, the key predictors of preterm birth in pregnant women with cirrhosis were intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and total bilirubin. The model demonstrated accurate prediction, with an AUC of 0.847, yielding a model accuracy of 81.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women with cirrhosis face a heightened risk of adverse obstetric outcomes, particularly an increased incidence of preterm birth. The preliminary evidence shows that the regression model established in our study can use the identified key predictors to predict preterm birth in pregnant women with cirrhosis, with high accuracy.

Impact of neighbourhood-level social determinants of health on healthcare utilisation and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with NAFLD cirrhosis: a population-based study in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis is rising in North America, driven partly by the epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), most in women of reproductive age. Little is known about factors that impact perinatal outcomes and healthcare utilisation in pregnant women with NAFLD cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the association between population-level social determinants, health outcomes and healthcare utilisation.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed healthcare utilisation and perinatal outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women with NAFLD cirrhosis from Ontario, Canada from 2000 to 2016 and followed for 90 days postdelivery. We compared utilisation and health outcomes according to income, residential instability, material deprivation, dependency and ethnic diversity. A Cochran-Armitage test for trend was done to assess whether utilisation patterns were linear across quintiles.

RESULTS

3320 pregnant women with NAFLD cirrhosis formed the study cohort. Decreasing income quintile associated with a higher proportion of women with at least one emergency department (ED) visit. Increasing residential instability, material deprivation and dependency were associated with a higher frequency of ED visitation, with no compelling differences in the rates of perinatal complications or adverse outcomes in pregnant women with NAFLD cirrhosis. Using multiple population-level proxies for social determinants of health, this study demonstrates an association between marginalisation and increased ED visitation.

CONCLUSIONS

As the incidence rate of pregnancies among women with NAFLD cirrhosis continues to rise, understanding how this population uses healthcare services will help coordinate care for these patients.

Maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated with portal hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Portal hypertension is secondary to either cirrhotic or non-cirrhotic causes, and complicating pregnancy poses a challenge to the treating team. A systematic review was performed to determine maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with portal hypertension. Outcomes were compared among those with cirrhotic (CPH) with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) as well as non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) with extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO).

METHODS

Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting outcomes among pregnant women with portal hypertension. Reference lists from relevant papers and reviews were hand-searched for appropriate citations. Data were extracted to describe maternal complications, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. A random-effects model was used to derive pooled estimates of various outcomes, and final estimates were reported as percentages with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Cumulative, sequential and sensitivity analysis was studied to assess the temporal trends of outcomes over the period.

RESULTS

Information on 895 pregnancies among 581 patients with portal hypertension was included from 26 studies. Portal hypertension was diagnosed during pregnancy in 10% (95% CI 4-24%). There were 22 maternal deaths (0%, 95% CI 0-1%), mostly following complications from variceal bleeding or hepatic decompensation. Variceal bleeding complicated in 14% (95% CI 9-20%), and endoscopic interventions were performed in 12% (95% CI 8-17%) during pregnancy. Decompensation of liver function occurred in 7% (95% CI 3-12%). Thrombocytopenia was the most common complication (41%, 95% CI 23-60%). Miscarriages occurred in 14% (95% CI 8-20%), preterm birth in 27% (95% CI 19-37%), and low birth weights in 22% (95% CI 15-30%). Risk of postpartum hemorrhage was higher (RR 5.09, 95% CI 1.84-14.12), and variceal bleeding was lower (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30-0.86) among those with CPH compared to NCPH. Risk of various outcomes was comparable between NCPF and EHPVO.

CONCLUSION

One in ten pregnancies complicated with portal hypertension is diagnosed during pregnancy, and thrombocytopenia is the most common complication. Hepatic decompensation and variceal bleeding remain the most common cause of maternal deaths, with reduced rates of bleeding and its complications reported following the introduction of endoscopic procedures during pregnancy. CPH increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, whereas variceal bleeding is higher among NCPH.

Cirrhosis and pregnancy: a single centre experience

PURPOSE

Cirrhosis is a diffuse pathology characterized by fibrosis of the liver and is the last stage of chronic liver diseases. It is a serious medical condition which seriously impacts reproduction and reproductive life span. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of pregnancies complicated with liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of the fetal and maternal results of 20 pregnant women with liver cirrhosis who had undergone antenatal follow-up and delivery at a tertiary center in a 12-year period was performed.

RESULTS

Chronic hepatitis B was found to be the leading cause of liver cirrhosis in the study group, with a rate of 25% (n: 5/20). The average MELD score was calculated as 8.8 ± 3.5. Only three patients developed hepatic decompensation during pregnancy. Fetal demise was observed in 10% of the cases (n: 2/20, MELD scores 8 and 17). MELD score was significantly higher in the patients with adverse perinatal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Even though pregnancy is rarely observed in women with liver cirrhosis, many patients are able to achieve favorable maternal and fetal results without developing hepatic decompensation with appropriate management and close follow-up. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is a clinical tool utilized to estimate the severity and survival for chronic liver disease and was previously found to be associated with unfavorable outcomes in pregnant patients. Our study confirms this finding with the current experience from a tertiary care center.

Pregnancy in women with liver cirrhosis is associated with increased risk for complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy and liver cirrhosis is a rare but increasing combination. Liver cirrhosis can raise the chance of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity, although the exact risks remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on maternal, fetal and obstetric complications among pregnant women with liver cirrhosis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We performed a systematic literature search in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE (Ovid) from inception through 25 January 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies including pregnancies with liver cirrhosis and controls were eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently evaluated study eligibility. We used the random effects model for meta-analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

Our search yielded 3118 unique papers. We included 11 studies, including 2912 pregnancies in women with cirrhosis from 1982-2020. Seven studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The overall maternal mortality rate was 0.89%. Maternal mortality and variceal haemorrhage were lower in recent than in older studies. Most cases of maternal mortality due to variceal haemorrhage (70%) occurred during vaginal delivery. Pregnant women with liver cirrhosis had a higher chance of preterm delivery (OR 6.7, 95% CI 5.1-9.1), caesarean section (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.7-3.9), pre-eclampsia (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.2-6.5) and small-for-gestational-age neonates (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6-4.2) compared with the general obstetric population. Subgroup analyses could not be conducted.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver cirrhosis in pregnant women is associated with increases in maternal mortality and obstetric and fetal complications. Large international prospective studies are needed to identify risk factors for unfavourable outcome.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis: A new case of cirrhosis in pregnancy

Cirrhosis is a multisystemic condition in which pregnancy is uncommon; however, the combination may lead to a higher incidence of spontaneous fetal loss and complications such as progressive jaundice, ascites and variceal bleeding. Here we present a 21-year-old woman who presented at 14 weeks' gestation with new jaundice and a two-month history of melena consistent with pre-existing cirrhosis of unclear aetiology. She delivered a healthy male infant at 34 weeks and five days of gestation vaginally with good haemostasis. In the literature, maternal mortality rates have been reported in up to 61% of these women, however, this risk is likely lower now with modern endoscopic therapies and improved access to blood products. There is limited information about labour and delivery in cirrhosis, although the best outcomes to date have been described in well-compensated women.

State of the Art in Hepatic Dysfunction in Pregnancy

Hepatic dysfunction in pregnant women is always challenging for the obstetrician, as the spectrum of hepatic abnormalities can be very large and have various implications, both for mother and fetus. There is a diagnostic and therapeutic polymorphism of hepatic dysfunction in pregnancy and insufficient knowledge related to the etiopathogenesis and epidemiology of this disease. The clinical forms of hepatic dysfunction encountered in pregnancy can vary from liver diseases related to pregnancy (e.g., HELLP syndrome, intrahepatic cholestasis, hyperemesis gravidarum, or acute fatty liver of pregnancy) to de novo ones occurring in pregnancy, and pre-existing liver disease (cholelithiasis, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and cirrhosis). We performed a systematic literature search over 10 years. The review protocol assumed a search of two databases (PubMed®/MEDLINE and Web of Science Core Collection). The strategy regarding the management of these diseases involves multidisciplinary teams composed of different specialists (obstetricians, gastroenterologists and anesthetists) from specialized tertiary centers. Despite the improving prognosis of pregnant women with liver diseases, the risk of maternal-fetal complications remains very high. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure careful monitoring by a multidisciplinary team and to inform the patients of the potential risks.

Chronic Liver Disease in the Obstetric Patient

Chronic liver disease in pregnancy is rare. Historically, many chronic liver diseases were considered contraindications to pregnancy; however, with current monitoring and treatment strategies, pregnancy may be considered in many cases. Preconception and initial antepartum consultation should focus on disease activity, medication safety, risks of pregnancy, as well as the need for additional monitoring during pregnancy. In most cases, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to ensure optimal maternal and fetal outcomes. Despite improving outcomes, pregnancy in women with the chronic liver disease remains high risk.

Maternal and fetal outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis: a case-control study

Background

We aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes in pregnant women with liver cirrhosis, and identify the predictors of adverse events of mother and fetus.

Methods

Retrospectively collected mothers with liver cirrhosis in our center from 6/2010 to 6/2019. Women without liver cirrhosis were selected as a control in a 1:2 ratio. The primary assessment was the frequency of maternal and fetal adverse events. The secondary assessment was the adverse events in patients continuing pregnancy or not and the factors to predict the severe adverse events.

Results

Of 126 pregnancies enrolled, 29 pregnancies were terminated for worrying disease progression and 97 pregnancies continued. One hundred ninety-four pregnancies without liver cirrhosis were selected as control. At baseline, patients with liver cirrhosis have a lower level of platelet, hemoglobin, prothrombin activity, and a higher level of ALT, total Bilirubin, creatinine. Compared to control, patients with liver cirrhosis had a higher frequency of adverse events, including bleeding gums (7.2%vs. 1.0%), TBA elevation (18.6%vs.3.1%), infection (10.3%vs.0.5%), cesarean section (73.6%vs.49.5%), postpartum hemorrhage (13.8% vs 2.1%), blood transfusion (28.9% vs 2.1%), new ascites or aggravating ascites (6.2% vs.0%), MODS (7.2% vs.0.5%) and intensive care unit admissions (24.1% vs 1.1%). The incidence of severe maternal adverse events was also higher (32.0% vs 1.5%). Women who chose to terminated the pregnancy had less severe adverse events (3.4% vs.32.0%).

A higher frequency of fetal/infants’ complications was observed in liver cirrhosis population than control, including newborn asphyxia (10.2% vs1.1%), low birth weight infant (13.6% vs. 2.6%). In patients who progressed into the third trimester, multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that severe adverse events were associated with a higher CTP score (OR 2.128, 95% CI [1.002, 4.521], p = 0.049). Wilson’s disease related liver cirrhosis has a better prognosis (OR = 0.009, 95% CI [0, 0.763], p = 0.038).

Conclusions

The incidence of the adverse events was significantly increased in pregnancies complicated by cirrhosis. The predictor of severe adverse events is higher CTP score. Wilson’s disease induced liver cirrhosis have a better prognosis. Timely termination of pregnancy during the first trimester may avoid the incidence of severe adverse events.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03756-y.

Maternal-fetal outcome in pregnancies complicated with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: experience from a Tertiary Centre in South India

OBJECTIVE

To assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH).

METHODS

This was an observational study done by retrieving the records of pregnant women with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension admitted to a tertiary hospital in South India, over a 9-year study period. Data regarding the clinical course, complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery details were reviewed. We also compared the outcomes among women with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO).

RESULTS

During the study period, portal hypertension was noted in 0.07%(n = 108) of the pregnancies and 74.1% of them had NCPH. The diagnosis was made for the first time in 54.7% of them when presented with pancytopenia or splenomegaly. Variceal bleeding complicated 25% of the pregnancies in women with NCPH pregnancies, with three among them having a massive bleed. Eighteen among them underwent endoscopy following bleeding; variceal banding procedure was performed in nine of them without any complications. Preterm birth was the most common (20.6%) obstetric complication. There was one maternal death from severe sepsis, acute kidney injury, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, following a massive variceal bleed. Obstetric outcomes and medical complications were similar in women with NCPF and EHPVO. Perinatal loss was comparable in both the groups (14.3% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.417) CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary team approach, with optimal and timely intervention with intensive monitoring, can reduce the morbidity and help achieve an optimal maternal-perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated with portal hypertension.

Outcomes of Pregnancy in Mothers With Cirrhosis: A National Population-Based Cohort Study of 1.3 Million Pregnancies

There are limited data on pregnancy outcomes in women with cirrhosis. To address this gap, we examined the records of singleton births from Sweden’s National Patient Register (NPR), Cause of Death Register (CDR), and Medical Birth Register (MBR) between 1997 and 2011 to assess exposure and pregnancy‐related and liver‐related outcomes of pregnant women with cirrhosis. Exposure status was defined as having an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code for cirrhosis obtained prior to or during pregnancy. Poisson regression with cluster‐robust standard errors was used to estimate relative risks (RRs) adjusted for maternal age, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). We identified 103 pregnancies in women with cirrhosis and compared these to 1,361,566 pregnancies in women without cirrhosis. Pregnancies in women with cirrhosis were at increased risk of caesarean delivery (36% versus 16%, respectively; adjusted RR [aRR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47‐2.73), low birth weight (15% versus 3%; aRR, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.11‐7.06), and preterm delivery (19% versus 5%; aRR, 3.51; 95% CI, 2.16‐5.72). Rates of maternal mortality during pregnancy (no cases), gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, small for gestational age, congenital malformations, and stillbirth were not increased when compared to the pregnant women without cirrhosis. There were 12 hospitalizations during pregnancy due to liver‐related events, including one case with bleeding esophageal varices. Conclusion: Women with cirrhosis are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, severe maternal and fetal adverse events were rare in our study, and most pregnancies in women with cirrhosis ended without complications.