The term metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), instead of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), was proposed recently to better describe liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MD). The impact of MAFLD on pregnancy complications were evaluated in a study.

In the first trimester, enrolled pregnant women were evaluated for hepatic steatosis by liver ultrasonography, and biochemical measurements were performed in blood samples. The enrolled subjects were divided into 3 groups: no NAFLD, hepatic steatosis but without metabolic dysfunction (non-MD NAFLD), and MAFLD. The subsequent development of adverse pregnancy outcomes, like gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-associated hypertension, preterm birth, and fetal growth abnormalities were assessed.

The following observations were made-

• 1744 pregnant women were enrolled in the study, including-

• 1523 with no NAFLD, 
• 43 with non-MD NAFLD, 
• 178 with MAFLD

• The risk of subsequent development of adverse pregnancy outcomes was more in MAFLD compared to non-MD NAFLD, while no significant difference in risk was found between no NAFLD and non-MD NAFLD. 
• The presence of MD increased the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with no NAFLD. 
• Women with MAFLD had a greater risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes than women with no NAFLD without MD or those with no NAFLD with MD.

Thus in pregnant women, MAFLD may be associated with a greater risk of subsequent adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Source- Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2021.11.007.