Liver Dysfunction Among Women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a serious early pregnancy disorder characterized by excessive vomiting which may result in dehydration, metabolic disorders and transient liver function abnormalities. Aim to identify the occurrence and biochemical profile of liver dysfunction in pregnant women with HG. 140 pregnant women admitted with HG were included in a retrospective cross-sectional study in Basrah Maternity Hospital. Patients with liver disease were excluded. Data was collected from medical records, clinical and laboratory data. The mean age of patients was 28.5 ± 5.1 years and a majority of cases happened during the first trimester (39.3%). Most were multi-gravida (68.6%). Liver enzyme elevation was common, with mean AST 73.27 ± 10.75 IU/L and ALT 69.29 ± 8.72 IU/L. Total bilirubin averaged 1 ± 0.5 mg/dL, while direct bilirubin averaged 0.40 ± 0.15 mg/dL. Electrolyte disturbances were hypoNa⁺ (Na⁺ 133.2 ± 15.04 mmol/L) and hypoK (K⁺ 2.97 ± 0.53 mmol/L). 57.1% of patients had severe, 25% had moderate, and 17.9% had mild vomiting. Liver dysfunction in HG is typically mild and is reversible with supportive treatment. If there is persistence or significantly elevated liver enzymes, evaluation for other causes such as acute fatty liver of pregnancy, viral hepatitis or HELLP syndrome will be necessary.