Pregnant women with abnormal liver function and skin

Abnormal liver function in pregnant women may manifest as skin itching, jaundice, or rash, usually related to diseases such as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and acute fatty liver during pregnancy. Abnormal liver function may be caused by hormone changes, viral infections, drug effects, bile excretion disorders, autoimmune factors, and other reasons. It is necessary to diagnose and treat it specifically through liver function tests.

1. Hormonal changes

Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy may affect liver metabolic function, leading to obstruction of bile acid excretion. This condition is more common in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, and the skin symptoms are mainly itching on the palms and soles of the feet, which worsens at night. Pregnant women are advised to avoid scratching their skin, wear loose cotton clothing, and if necessary, use calamine lotion under the guidance of a doctor to relieve itching.

2. Virus infection

Infections such as hepatitis B virus and cytomegalovirus may cause hepatitis, which is manifested by yellow skin staining with fatigue and anorexia. Pregnant women need to undergo re examination for hepatitis virus markers, and after diagnosis, they should follow medical advice to use antiviral drugs such as tenofovir. Daily isolation of tableware and vaccination with neonatal immunoglobulin are necessary to block mother to child transmission.

3. Drug influence

Some pregnant women taking iron or traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations may cause drug-induced liver injury, with erythematous papules and elevated transaminase. If skin abnormalities are found after medication, suspicious drugs should be stopped immediately. Under the guidance of a doctor, liver protective drugs such as glucuronide should be used instead, and liver function indicators should be monitored regularly.

4. Cholestasis

Intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy can lead to the deposition of bile acids in the dermis layer of the skin, causing severe itching and scratching. This condition may be accompanied by darkening urine color and fat diarrhea, and should be diagnosed through serum bile acid testing. Doctors may recommend the use of ursodeoxycholic acid to improve bile metabolism, and in severe cases, early termination of pregnancy may be necessary.

5. Autoimmune

Pregnancy complicated with autoimmune hepatitis may result in spider nevi and liver palms, which are related to the immune system attacking liver cells. Diagnosis requires examination of anti nuclear antibodies and other indicators, and treatment requires the use of immunosuppressive agents such as prednisone under the guidance of a doctor. At the same time, vitamin K supplementation is needed to prevent coagulation dysfunction. Pregnant women with skin abnormalities should seek medical attention immediately to check their liver function. They should maintain a low-fat diet and consume foods rich in dietary fiber such as oats and pumpkin in moderation to promote bile excretion. Avoid using excessively alkaline shower gel, and the temperature of the shower water should not be too high. Ensure sufficient sleep, lie on the left side to reduce liver pressure, regularly monitor fetal intrauterine conditions during prenatal check ups, and promptly address any abnormal fetal movements.