“CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE IN PREGNANCY: EFFECTS ON FETAL GROWTH AND LONG-TERM NEONATAL HEALTH”
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Keywords
Chronic liver disease, pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, neonatal outcomes, long-term health
Abstract
Background: Chronic liver disease (CLD) during pregnancy is evolving more commonly as a result of the increasing prevalence of viral hepatitis and metabolic liver disorders in women of reproductive age. Impaired maternal liver function can lead to disturbance of the energy metabolism, blood supply to the placenta, and immune system regulation, and fetal growth and neonatal health can be affected. Nevertheless, there is little data on the impact of hepatic dysfunction on the short- and early long-term outcomes of neonates.
Objective: To evaluate how chronic liver disease during pregnancy affects fetal growth patterns and to study its link with short-term and early long-term neonatal health outcomes.
Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital over the period of May, 2025 to August, 2025. In total, 180 pregnant women with chronic liver disease were included in the study. Their maternal clinical and laboratory data were registered, and fetal growth was checked by repeated ultrasonography. Neonatal results at birth and during the first postnatal follow-up period were recorded. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
Results: Fetal growth restriction occurred in 37.8% of the cases. Low birth weight was present in 40.6% of the neonates, while 33.9% were delivered preterm. NICU admission was necessary for 31.1% of the infants. At the early postnatal review, growth faltering was seen in 30.0% of the babies and early metabolic abnormalities in 16.1%, especially in those with antenatal growth restriction.
Conclusion: Pregnant women with chronic liver disease are at risk of delivering babies with growth retardation and experience increased morbidity in newborns, with the possibility of early long-term health effects. Proper and timely detection, detailed monitoring of the fetus, and a teamwork approach of different specialties are crucial ways to have positive maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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Dr Paras
Demonstrator of Community Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, MBBS, MPH, HBS medical and dental Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr Gul Saba Taj
Gynaecologist, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, MBBS, FCPS, Pak Oman Hospital Pasni, Pakistan
Dr Salma
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, FCPS, Dow University of Health Sciences/ Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Joshna Devraj
Postgraduate, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, MBBS, Dow Medical College/ Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Hafiza Saira Gul
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, FCPS, MRCOG, Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Beenish Hafiz
Assistant Professor of Community Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, MSPH, Hazrat Bari Sarkar Medical & Dental College Islamabad, Pakistan
