A Long-term Evaluation of Treatment Results of Pregnant Patients Following a Liver Transplant

Abstract

IntroductionTransplantation is not only the best method for treating end-stage failure of many organs but also the way to improve the quality of life of patients. For women of childbearing age, an organ transplant often brings a restoration of regular reproductive functions, which means, among other things, the possibility of having biological offspring. ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to analyze the medical records and assess the impact of a liver transplant on the course of pregnancy and labor. Materials and MethodsThe research was carried out from March to May 2019 in the Nephrology and Transplant Clinic Medical University of Warsaw. The study group consisted of 19 women after liver transplantation. Medical records were analyzed, and laboratory test results routinely performed on patients were also used for the study. ResultsThe mean age of conception of the patients following transplantation was 30 ± 4 years old. In the analyzed period, 6 patients gave birth to 2 children each, and 8 patients to 1 child each. Only 3 patients experienced premature birth. Twelve patients gave birth by caesarean delivery. Fourteen patients took tacrolimus. ConclusionsPregnancy is possible in patients following a liver transplant and does not appear to have a damaging effect on liver functionality. There is an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, intensified hypertension, and premature birth among patients following a transplant, which is why it is essential for these patients to remain under the care of a specialistic therapeutic team.