Acute exacerbation of hepatitis B with hepatic failure during the first trimester of pregnancy: Delivery of a healthy term baby after liver transplantation

Abstract

The severe form of acute exacerbation of hepatitis B during pregnancy is a rare but life-threatening condition for both the mother and the fetus. A 32-year-old pregnant woman at 10weeks of gestation was diagnosed with acute decompensated liver failure due to acute exacerbation of hepatitis B. The Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was up to 37. The patient was managed carefully with antiviral treatment, fluid resuscitation, correction of coagulopathy, close monitoring of hepatic function, and regular assessment of the fetus. She was transplanted with a deceased liver at 14weeks and 1day of gestation. With careful post-transplant care and avoidance of medication with risk of miscarriage and teratogenicity, a healthy baby was delivered at 39weeks and 1day of gestation. Herein, we report this critical condition of pregnancy that was complicated with liver failure due to acute exacerbation of hepatitis B, but had favorable outcomes for both the mother and the baby after liver transplantation.