Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, the role of the liver

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2021 Jan;34(1):117-123. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1572737. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a multisystemic disorder which accounts for the high prevalence of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in middle and low-income countries. Currently, the primary intervention is the urgent delivery of the fetus, hence it would be advantageous to identify those who are likely to develop preeclampsia and the maternal and fetal outcomes. However, an array of risk factors makes these challenging. This review explores the potentials of liver biomarkers in predicting the occurrence and outcome of preeclampsia, which could be beneficial in reducing the burden of the disease. Liver dysfunction in preeclampsia results in a severe condition, hence liver function tests are specific predictors of outcome.

Keywords: Hepatic dysfunction; hypertension; liver enzymes; pregnancy; proteinuria.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • HELLP Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • HELLP Syndrome* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Liver
  • Pre-Eclampsia* / diagnosis
  • Pre-Eclampsia* / epidemiology
  • Pre-Eclampsia* / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care
  • Risk Factors