Maternal–fetal outcome in pregnancies complicated with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: experience from a Tertiary Centre in South India

To assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH).

This was an observational study done by retrieving the records of pregnant women with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension admitted to a tertiary hospital in South India, over a 9-year study period. Data regarding the clinical course, complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery details were reviewed. We also compared the outcomes among women with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO).

During the study period, portal hypertension was noted in 0.07%(n = 108) of the pregnancies and 74.1% of them had NCPH. The diagnosis was made for the first time in 54.7% of them when presented with pancytopenia or splenomegaly. Variceal bleeding complicated 25% of the pregnancies in women with NCPH pregnancies, with three among them having a massive bleed. Eighteen among them underwent endoscopy following bleeding; variceal banding procedure was performed in nine of them without any complications. Preterm birth was the most common (20.6%) obstetric complication. There was one maternal death from severe sepsis, acute kidney injury, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, following a massive variceal bleed. Obstetric outcomes and medical complications were similar in women with NCPF and EHPVO. Perinatal loss was comparable in both the groups (14.3% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.417)

Multidisciplinary team approach, with optimal and timely intervention with intensive monitoring, can reduce the morbidity and help achieve an optimal maternal–perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated with portal hypertension.