Renal morphological changes in idiopathic acute fatty liver of pregnancy

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Renal morphological changes are described in 4 cases of idiopathic acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Light microscopy showed mild glomerular hypercellularity together with thickening and narrowing of capillary loops. In 2 cases the tubules showed lipid accumulation which included free fatty acids. EM showed mesangial cell interposition between the basal lamina and endothelial cells. Glomeruli contained electron-dense material in a subendothelial location. Immunoperoxidase stains showed diffuse segmental deposits of fibrin/fibrinogen and IgM in relation to glomerular capillary loops. IgG and [complement component] C3 were found in 3 and 2 cases, respectively. Pathogenetic mechanisms including disseminated intravascular coagulation, immune complex deposition and alterations in lipid metabolism are discussed. Coexistent preeclampsia is considered to be an unlikely explanation for the changes. There is a possibility that these renal changes comprise an early feature of idiopathic acute fatty liver of pregnancy.

This publication has 18 references indexed in Scilit: