Link Between Fatty Liver Disease in Pregnant Women and Preterm Birth Risk

Recent research from Karolinska Institutet has highlighted significant concerns regarding metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in pregnant women, revealing a potential link to increased preterm birth rates. This study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, indicates that pregnant women diagnosed with MASLD face a heightened risk of premature delivery, a finding that persists even when factoring in body mass index (BMI).

MASLD, previously referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is becoming increasingly prevalent, affecting an estimated one in five individuals in Sweden, and potentially up to 30% of the global population. The condition is associated with metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and obesity, and its incidence is rising among women of reproductive age.

The study utilized comprehensive Swedish registry data, analyzing 240 births from women diagnosed with MASLD alongside 1,140 matched births from a control group without the condition. The findings revealed that women with MASLD were over three times more likely to experience preterm births compared to their counterparts without the disease. Notably, the severity of MASLD did not correlate with an increased risk of premature delivery, indicating that the condition's presence itself carries inherent risks.

Lead researchers emphasized the need for vigilant monitoring of pregnant women with MASLD to mitigate potential complications during pregnancy. They suggested that clinical guidelines should consider the specific needs of this population to enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Additionally, women with MASLD exhibited a 63% higher likelihood of requiring cesarean sections than those in the control group. However, this increased risk appears to be largely attributable to higher BMI, as there was no significant difference when compared with overweight or obese women lacking fatty liver disease.

Interestingly, the study did not find any elevated risks of congenital malformations or neonatal mortality among children born to mothers with MASLD, which provides some reassurance regarding certain adverse outcomes.

While the research accounted for various confounding factors, the authors acknowledged the potential influence of additional variables that could affect the observed risks. This highlights the complexity of maternal health issues and the necessity for continued research in this area.

The findings underscore the importance of addressing MASLD in pregnant women and integrating appropriate care strategies to safeguard both maternal and infant health.