Key take-home messages include:
- Maintain a high index of suspicion for AFLP in pregnant or postpartum patients with liver dysfunction and multi-organ involvement
- Early recognition and prompt delivery (if antenatal) are crucial for improving outcomes
- Management is primarily supportive, focusing on organ support and treating complications
- A multidisciplinary approach involving critical care, obstetrics, hepatology, and other specialties is essential
- Be vigilant for complications such as sepsis, DIC, and cerebral edema
- Consider AFLP in the differential diagnosis of severe liver dysfunction in pregnancy, even if initial presentations suggest more common conditions like pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome
- Genetic counselling may be appropriate for survivors and their families due to potential underlying metabolic disorders
AFLP remains a challenging condition in critical care, but outcomes have improved significantly with advances in supportive care and increased awareness among healthcare providers.
