Pregnancy is usually accompanied by significant physiological changes, but these changes can sometimes mask signs of liver dysfunction, which can pose serious health risks to both mothers and their newborns. A recent study conducted by researchers at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology has revealed alarming rates of elevated liver enzymes and dyslipidemia among pregnant women in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for increased awareness and monitoring of this underreported health issue.
The cross-sectional study examined 194 pregnant women from the Sylhet and Cumilla districts, aimed primarily at investigating the prevalence of abnormalities and the associated risk factors. Conducted between October 2019 and October 2020, it utilized structured questionnaires to gather demographic and lifestyle data, followed by biochemical analysis of blood samples to assess liver enzyme levels and lipid profiles.
Findings showed an unexpected prevalence of preeclampsia at 12.4%, with 27% of participants exhibiting elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels—especially prevalent during the third trimester—while 11.8% had elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, with higher instances observed early during pregnancy. Alarmingly, general dyslipidemia affected 83.8% of the cohort, peaking during the second trimester.
The study underscored several risk factors associated with abnormal liver enzymes. Notably, preeclampsia emerged as the strongest risk factor linked with elevated ALT levels, affirming similar observations from past research. Additional factors influencing ALT elevations included hypertension, multiple pregnancies, and insufficient dietary knowledge pertaining to pregnancy nutrition. Advanced maternal age, along with mixed dyslipidemia, was significantly correlated with increased GGT levels.
These findings are significant, considering they indicate elevated liver enzyme levels are not just common but are also linked to increased risks of severe complications such as gestational hypertension and even liver disease. Monitoring liver function and ensuring appropriate prenatal care during the early stages of pregnancy can help mitigate these risks and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.
The study's insights draw attention to the pressing need for enhanced prenatal screening practices to detect and manage potential liver dysfunctions and dyslipidemia effectively. Given the alarming rates of such conditions observed among the surveyed women, there is ample reason for healthcare providers to engage more proactively with this issue. Increased awareness and routine liver function tests during antenatal care could substantially contribute to reducing maternal and newborn complications related to these health issues.
According to the authors of the article, "Monitoring liver function and lipid levels, along with proper prenatal care, can help reduce the risk of maternal and neonatal mortality." This call to action emphasizes the necessity of integrating liver health assessments within standard prenatal care protocols and elevates the importance of educating pregnant women about maintaining their health throughout pregnancy.
The elevated rates of liver enzyme abnormalities among pregnant women reported in the study should serve as a wake-up call for the healthcare system. Further research is urgently needed to explore the long-term impacts of liver dysfunctions during pregnancy and the effectiveness of interventions targeting these issues.