Fatty Liver During Pregnancy May Elevate Risk of Preterm Birth

Recent research highlights a concerning association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A study conducted by Karolinska Institutet analyzed Swedish registry data, revealing that pregnant women with MASLD face a more than threefold increased risk of delivering prematurely. Notably, this elevated risk persists regardless of the severity of liver disease and is independent of obesity, indicating that MASLD itself may directly impact pregnancy.

MASLD affects approximately 20% of the Swedish population and up to 30% globally, predominantly among individuals with metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. The increasing prevalence among women of reproductive age has prompted investigations into its implications during pregnancy.

The study compared 240 births from women diagnosed with MASLD to 1,140 births from women in the general population, revealing a significant increase in preterm deliveries among those with MASLD. Lead researcher Carole A. Marxer emphasized that this suggests a direct influence of liver disease beyond BMI, urging healthcare providers to monitor pregnant women with MASLD closely to mitigate risks.

In addition to preterm birth, women with MASLD exhibited a 63% higher likelihood of cesarean sections; however, this risk was linked to high BMI rather than MASLD itself. Importantly, the study found no increased risk of congenital malformations or infant mortality associated with MASLD.

The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and tailored management strategies for pregnant women with MASLD. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop specific clinical guidelines for this growing patient population.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-fatty-liver-pregnancy-preterm-birth.html