Viral Hepatitis Complicating Pregnancy: Mortality Trends in Saudi Arabia

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Abstract
The striking mortality in viral hepatitis associated with pregnancy, regularly observed in developing countries, has shown a significant decrease in Saudi Arabia during a period of unprecedented economic growth. However, the risk of fatal hepatitis in the pregnant Saudi woman remains approximately four times that for the nonpregnant woman. The explanation for the observed mortality trend is not apparent, but is unlikely to be the result of improved nutritional status of the population alone, or because of treatment of severe hepatitis with adrenal corticosteroids. Disseminated intravascular coagulation may be one factor that decisively influences the outcome of hepatitis in the pregnant woman.

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