Liver Function Tests (LFT) in pregnant women at a tertiary care center in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Introduction: Abnormal liver tests occur in 3–5% of pregnancies and show many different causes. Although alterations of liver enzymes could be a physiological phenomenon, it may also reflect potential severe liver injury, necessitating further assessment and accurate management. The present cross-sectional study was undertaken to study liver function test profile in pregnant women. Methodology: All the pregnant patients referred to Pathology section were studied prospectively from January 2018 to April 2019 involving 90 cases. Blood sample was studied for Total protein, Albumin, Globulin, Bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, Alkaline phosphatase. All the findings filled in MS-Excel sheet and was analysed manually. Results: The mean age was found to be 26.61 (±5.42) yrs. Mean total protein level was 11.66 (±53.55) Gm/dl. Mean Albumin was 3.01 (±0.71) Gm/dl. Total patients showed hypalbuminaemia majority of patients in the age group of 24 – 29 yrs [31 (34.4%) cases] and in third Trimester [35 (38.8%) cases]. Mean total Bilirubin is 1.66 (±3.56) Mg/dl, Mean Direct Bilirubin is 0.98 (±2.42) Mg/dl and Mean Indirect Bilirubin is 0.74(±1.40) Mg/dl. Total 57 (63.3%) patient showed increased SGOT, majority of patient in the age group of 24 to 29 yrs [24 (26.6%) cases]. Total 36 (40%) patient showed increased SGPT, majority of patient in the age group of 18 to 23 yrs [11 (12.2%) cases]. Total 62 (68.8%) patient showed increased Alkaline Phosphatase, majority of patient in the age group of 24 to 29 yrs [28 (31.1%) cases]. Conclusion: Liver disease in pregnancy is a complex issue that deserves a multidisciplinary approach.