Effect of Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency on Pregnancy and Puerperium

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is the most common inherited metabolic disorder in urea cycles with an incidence of 1:14,000 live births. Pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period are considered challenging for women with this hereditary metabolic disorder, with a risk of hyperammonemia, especially in the first week after delivery. In our article, we discuss severe hepatic failure, a pregnancy complication in an OTC deficient patient that has not previously been published. Firstly, our aim is to highlight the need for a strict adherence to the recommendation of the gradual increase of protein intake during pregnancy and the importance of multidisciplinary monitoring of pregnant patients with OTC deficiency. Secondly, we refer to critical postpartum hyperammonemia in patients with this hereditary metabolic disorder.

Automated summary

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency can lead to hyperammonemia in pregnant women, particularly in the first week after delivery. This article emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to protein intake recommendations and multidisciplinary monitoring for pregnant patients with OTC deficiency. It also discusses a case of severe hepatic failure in an OTC deficient patient during pregnancy.