Autoimmune hepatitis in pregnancy: Pearls and pitfalls

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in pregnancy has many unique considerations. Evidence provided from single center studies with patient level data and nationwide population studies provide valuable insight into this complex situation. Because a planned pregnancy is a safer pregnancy, preconception counseling is a crucial opportunity to optimize care and risk stratify women with AIH. Women with chronic liver disease who receive preconception advice and counseling are more likely to achieve stable liver disease at conception and undergo appropriate variceal surveillance. Loss of biochemical response in pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes in unstable disease. New onset AIH in pregnancy should be managed with classical treatment regimens. The continued use of immunosuppression in pregnancy, with the exception of mycophenolate mofetil, has not shown to adversely affect the rates of stillbirth or congenital malformation. Previously adopted immunosuppression withdrawal paradigms in pregnancy should no longer be considered advantageous, because remission loss postdelivery is likely (12%-86%). Population studies, report improved outcomes with preterm birth rates falling from 20% to 9%-13% in AIH pregnancies over a 20-year period. Newer data have also demonstrated an increased risk of gestational diabetes and hypertensive complications in AIH pregnancy, which has implications for management and preeclampsia prevention with aspirin use. This review aims to provide the framework to guide and manage pregnancy in AIH outlining pearls and pitfalls to ensure optimal outcomes for mother, baby and to reduce variation in practice.