Tetracycline-associated fatty liver of pregnancy, including possible pregnancy risk after chronic dermatologic use of tetracycline.

Abstract

Two cases of tetracycline-associated fatty liver of pregnancy are reported. In one, the history was negative for antibiotic use, yet autopsy revealed typical gross and microscopic bone fluorescence of tetracycline. Tissue extraction and chemical analysis showed qualitative evidence of tetracycline, whereas quantitation revealed 60 microgram/gm of wet bone tissue. Findings in our cases and in those from the literature indicate that the association of tetracycline use and fatty liver of pregnancy is even more common than has been suggested.