Drug-induced Liver Injury from Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Prevention of Recurrent Gestational Alloimmune Liver Disease: A Clinical Catch-22

Abstract

Gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD) is a rare autoimmune syndrome in which maternal antibodies lead to in utero fetal hepatocyte destruction, often presenting as neonatal liver failure and hemochromatosis. Antenatal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is generally accepted to be safe in pregnancy with demonstrable benefits for reducing GALD recurrence risk in subsequent pregnancies. Here we present a case of a 33-year-old woman with a prior neonatal demise due to GALD who received multiple prophylactic IVIG infusions in a subsequent twin pregnancy complicated by maternal jaundice and acute hepatitis. A liver biopsy demonstrated hepatocellular injury with bridging necrosis and cholestatic features consistent with drug-induced liver injury. This case demonstrates the importance of close clinical monitoring during IVIG therapy and the need for further research into alternative prophylaxis options for GALD.

Key Points

• GALD is a rare antibody-mediated autoimmune syndrome with high recurrence risk.

• IVIG can be effective in reducing risk of GALD recurrence and fetal loss.

• Patient's receiving ongoing IVIG therapy should be closely monitored for developing adverse effects, including DILI.

Keywords

gestational alloimmune liver disease - drug-induced liver injury - pregnancy - transaminitis - liver - hepatocellular damage - liver dysfunction - antibodies - intravenous immunoglobulin

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 08. September 2024

Angenommen: 20. September 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
17. Oktober 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
13. November 2024

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