Pregnancy and cirrhosis

Abstract

As the treatment of cirrhosis improves, pregnancy in patients with cirrhosis is likely to become more common. Although maternal and fetal mortality is expected to similarly improve, pregnant patients with cirrhosis face unique risks. These include higher rates of spontaneous abortion and prematurity and a potential for life-threatening variceal hemorrhage, hepatic decompensation, splenic artery aneurysm rupture, and postpartum hemorrhage. Pregnancy outcome may be influenced by the underlying etiology of liver disease, as in viral and autoimmune hepatitis. Medications also impact the course of pregnancy, and must be tailored appropriately during this time.