What condition during pregnancy is associated with hypoglycemia, jaundice, and altered mental status?

What condition during pregnancy is associated with hypoglycemia, jaundice, and altered mental status?

• A. Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
• B. Preeclampsia
• C. Gestational Diabetes
• D. Hepatic Steatosis

Answer: (A)

Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP) is a serious and rare condition that typically occurs in the third trimester. It is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to liver dysfunction and varying degrees of hepatic failure. The clinical manifestations of AFLP can include hypoglycemia, jaundice, and altered mental status, which result from the liver's inability to process toxins and maintain normal glucose levels. Hypoglycemia occurs due to the impaired gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver, preventing the body from maintaining adequate blood sugar levels, particularly during fasting. Jaundice can develop as a result of liver injury, which disrupts the normal bilirubin metabolism. Altered mental status can arise from hepatic encephalopathy, a condition where toxins accumulate in the bloodstream due to liver dysfunction, affecting brain function. The combination of these symptoms requires prompt diagnosis and intervention, as AFLP can lead to serious maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality if not managed appropriately. Early recognition and delivery are often necessary to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP) is a serious and rare condition that typically occurs in the third trimester. It is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to liver dysfunction and varying degrees of hepatic failure. The clinical manifestations of AFLP can include hypoglycemia, jaundice, and altered mental status, which result from the liver's inability to process toxins and maintain normal glucose levels.

Hypoglycemia occurs due to the impaired gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver, preventing the body from maintaining adequate blood sugar levels, particularly during fasting. Jaundice can develop as a result of liver injury, which disrupts the normal bilirubin metabolism. Altered mental status can arise from hepatic encephalopathy, a condition where toxins accumulate in the bloodstream due to liver dysfunction, affecting brain function.

The combination of these symptoms requires prompt diagnosis and intervention, as AFLP can lead to serious maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality if not managed appropriately. Early recognition and delivery are often necessary to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.