Delayed Fulminant Hepatic Failure from Dydrogesterone-Related In Vitro Fertilization Therapy Requiring Liver Transplantation During Pregnancy

Acute liver injury in pregnancy

A woman in her fifth month of pregnancy presented to the outpatient department with vomiting, generalised itching and yellowish discolouration of the skin for 1 week. No history of rashes, fever, pain abdomen or altered stools. In view of four pregnancy losses previously, she was evaluated to have antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and was advised low molecular weight heparin. She was a known type-II diabetic on insulin. Prophylactic oral dydrogesterone and natural micronised progesterone were started at a local hospital 2 months prior, in view of threatened abortion. Investigations revealed grossly elevated serum bilirubin and liver enzymes. Other blood investigations were unremarkable and abdominal ultrasonography was normal. The most likely diagnosis in this case, is drug-induced liver injury due to oral progestin consumption. Causality assessment by Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Model was used to establish the diagnosis. High doses of progestin over a prolonged period resulted in acute hepatic toxicity causing itching, jaundice and transaminitis. Cautious use of progestins in appropriate dosage is recommended during pregnancy.

The Role of Dydrogesterone in the Management of Luteal Phase Defect: A Comprehensive Review

The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is a pivotal period characterized by hormonal intricacies that lay the foundation for successful embryo implantation and early pregnancy development. Luteal phase defect (LPD), marked by abnormalities in luteal function, presents challenges that can impede reproductive outcomes. This comprehensive review article explores the role of dydrogesterone in LPD management, elucidating its mechanisms of action, evidence of efficacy, safety profile, and potential in combination therapies. Dydrogesterone, a synthetic progestogen, closely mirrors natural progesterone's actions, effectively supplementing the luteal phase and enhancing endometrial receptivity. Clinical studies demonstrate improved pregnancy rates, extended luteal phase support, and enhanced reproductive outcomes with dydrogesterone supplementation. Its favorable safety profile, minimal side effects, and reduced risk of unwanted hormonal effects contribute to its appeal. Furthermore, dydrogesterone's inclusion in international guidelines solidifies its importance in LPD management. Combination therapies, leveraging synergistic effects, offer a comprehensive approach. As gaps in knowledge persist, future research directions and personalized treatment strategies pave the way for a future where dydrogesterone stands as a beacon of hope in conquering the challenges of LPD and achieving successful reproductive outcomes.

Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure During Pregnancy: Case Report and Literature Review

Liver failure during pregnancy is a rare and highly fatal condition frequently resulting from the patient's pre-existing chronic liver disease. There is no established protocol for managing this condition, and physicians tend to adopt a conservative approach due to concerns about the impact of liver transplantation on fetal development. However, conservative treatment may exacerbate the condition, increasing the risk of fetal and miscarriage deaths. In this study, we present a case of acute-on-chronic liver failure resulting from chronic hepatitis during the 19th week of gestation. Despite undergoing conservative treatment, the fetus tragically died, but the patient achieved an excellent clinical outcome after emergency liver transplantation. We also conducted a systematic review of the literature on liver transplantation during pregnancy from the last decade, examining the causes of liver failure and transplantation during pregnancy. Our research complied with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and the Istanbul Declaration.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Adverse Reactions of Mirena Combined with Hysteroscopic Surgery When Treating AUB: Based on a Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective

A case-control study was performed to explore the efficacy and adverse reactions of Mirena combined with hysteroscopy when treating AUB.

Methods

108 patients with perimenopausal AUB treated in our hospital from June 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled, and their clinical data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. According to the mode of treatment, the patients were assigned into control group (54 cases) and study group (54 cases). The therapeutic effects were compared. Visual analog score (VAS) was adopted to evaluate the degree of incision pain, Barthel index score was adopted to evaluate the ability of daily living, quality of life scale was adopted to investigate the quality of life before and after treatment, and the changes of sex hormone levels, endometrial thickness, and menstruation were detected before and after treatment. The incidence of adverse reactions was calculated.

Results

In terms of the therapeutic effects, 46 cases were cured, 6 cases were effective, and 2 cases were ineffective in the study group, and the effective rate was 96.30%; in the control group, 32 cases were cured, 10 cases were effective, and 12 cases were ineffective, and the effective rate was 77.78%; the effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In terms of VAS score, the VAS score decreased after treatment, and the VAS score in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment. With regard to the Barthel index scores after treatment, the Barthel index scores increased, and the Barthel index scores of the study group at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment were higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In terms of the Barthel index scores after treatment, the Barthel index scores increased, and the Barthel index scores of the study group at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment were higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the levels of FSH, LH, and E2 in both groups decreased remarkably (all P < 0.05). In terms of the changes of endometrium and menstruation, the endometrial thickness, menstrual time, and menstrual volume were significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.05). After treatment, the endometrial thickness, menstrual time, and menstrual volume in the study group were better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). With regard to the scores of qualities of life, the scores of qualities of life decreased after treatment. Compared between the two groups, the scores of physiological function, psychological function, social function, and health self-cognition in the study group were lower compared to the control group. Regarding the incidence of adverse reactions, in the study group, there were 1 case of breast pain, 2 cases of vaginal bleeding, and no dizziness and nausea, and the incidence of adverse reaction was 5.56%; In the control group, there were 1 case of dizziness, 2 cases of breast pain, 4 cases of nausea, and 3 cases of vaginal bleeding, and the incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was 18.52%. The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hysteroscopy combined with Mirena when treating perimenopausal AUB can remarkably enhance the related symptoms, regulate the level of sex hormones, and remarkably reduce the amount of menstrual bleeding. The curative effect is better than hysteroscopy combined with dydrogesterone tablets, which is worth popularizing in clinic.

Maternity After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Can the Use of Biological Fertility Indicators Help? Our Own Experience and Literature-based Recommendations

Over the last 5 decades, the fulfillment of maternity wishes in solid organ transplanted women has become a reality. Despite pregnancy contraindication in transplanted women during the early post-transplant period, such a condition can be overcome after 12 months if patients show a good clinical evolution and do not present other general pre-conceptional findings. This article presents the case report of a young female liver transplanted patient that used symptothermal method as a reliable family planning method. After her gestational contraindication was lifted, observation of biological fertility indicators and fertility-guided sexual intercourse helped her fulfill her maternity wish and conceive and carry out a healthy offspring. Based on this case and on the available bibliographic evidence, this paper reviews the potential implications of the use of this kind of approach as a safe and effective alternative to assisted reproduction technology in the management of potential infertility problems in the young female transplanted population, a population which according to literature has higher rates of unsuccessful parenthood and might also be more vulnerable to iatrogenicity of ovarian hyperstimulation process and to multiple pregnancy.

The Pathological Mechanisms of Estrogen-Induced Cholestasis: Current Perspectives

Estrogens are steroid hormones with a wide range of biological activities. The excess of estrogens can lead to decreased bile flow, toxic bile acid (BA) accumulation, subsequently causing intrahepatic cholestasis. Estrogen-induced cholestasis (EIC) may have increased incidence during pregnancy, and within women taking oral contraception and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, and result in liver injury, preterm birth, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and intrauterine fetal death in pregnant women. The main pathogenic mechanisms of EIC may include deregulation of BA synthetic or metabolic enzymes, and BA transporters. In addition, impaired cell membrane fluidity, inflammatory responses and change of hepatocyte tight junctions are also involved in the pathogenesis of EIC. In this article, we review the role of estrogens in intrahepatic cholestasis, and outlined the mechanisms of EIC, providing a greater understanding of this disease.

Anti-tuberculosis drug-induced acute liver failure requiring transplantation in the second trimester of pregnancy: a case report

Background

Treatment of tuberculosis (TB) during pregnancy can reduce maternal and foetal complications. However, it may also induce fatal liver injury.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 26-year-old pregnant woman who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation for anti-TB drug-induced fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Her tuberculous pleurisy was treated with rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide. An artificial liver support system (ALSS) was unable to reverse the liver injury while serving as a bridge to liver transplantation. She had a successful liver transplantation operation at 17 3/7 weeks of gestation. The foetal ultrasound scan showed mild foetal bilateral ventriculomegaly at 21 5/7 weeks of gestation, and labour was induced via double-balloon catheter as soon as the allograft function was stable. Despite immunosuppression, the TB was well controlled with linezolid, levofloxacin and pyridoxine at the 8 months follow-up.

Conclusions

Anti-TB drug-induced liver failure during pregnancy is rare. We present a case of successful treatment of FHF in which an artificial liver support system combined with liver transplantation. The FHF was caused by anti-TB drugs with difficulties due to pregnancy status and post-transplant anti-TB treatment. Mild foetal ventriculomegaly was found in our case. Further research is still needed to identify the risks of TB treatment and liver transplantation in pregnant women. A multidisciplinary team coordinated properly to optimize patient outcomes.