Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a rare, life-threatening complication of pregnancy that occurs in the third trimester or the immediate period after delivery, thought to be caused by a disordered metabolism of fatty acids by mitochondria in the fetus, caused by long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency. The condition was previously thought to be universally fatal, but aggressive treatment by stabilizing the mother with intravenous fluids and blood products in anticipation of early delivery has improved prognosis. It occurs in an estimated 1 in 7,000 to 1 in 15,000 pregnancies and carries a mortality rate of about 18 percent.