Acute fatty liver of pregnancy: a case report.

The third trimester of pregnancy has several unique disease entities that challenge the anesthetist. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is an increasingly recognized metabolic disorder found late in pregnancy. Current research estimates the incidence of AFLP at 1 per 6,659 births. Improved maternal morbidity and mortality is credited to early recognition and termination of the pregnancy. The decline in hepatic cellular activity is evident by the deterioration in metabolic, synthetic, and excretory functions of the liver. This obstetrical emergency can lead to death of both mother and child if not diagnosed in time to prevent coagulopathic complications.