Clinical significance of liver dysfunction in pregnancy-induced hypertension

Hepatic dysfunction is one of the frequent manifestations of multisystemic involvement in preeclampsia. This study was conducted to establish the impact of liver dysfunction on maternal and neonatal outcome in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). The prevalence of liver dysfunction as determined by an elevated serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) concentration was 21% in a population of 355 patients with PIH. Liver dysfunction was associated with the presence of severe hypertension, proteinuria, a lower platelet count, and renal compromise (elevated blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid serum concentrations). Abdominal pain was also associated with an SGOT elevation. Liver dysfunction was associated with intrauterine growth retardation and prematurity. Furthermore, the association with these neonatal complications was independent from the severity of the hypertension and the presence of proteinuria. Thus, we conclude that liver dysfunction is a frequent complication of PIH and that it is an independent risk factor for maternal and perinatal complications.