Acute liver failure

Abstract

New-onset coagulopathy and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in a previously liver-healthy patient define acute liver failure (ALF). Once ALF is diagnosed, a rapid diagnostic algorithm is necessary to identify the etiology of liver failure. In some cases, ALF can be treated causally in the early phase. The earlier the etiology of ALF can be identified, the better the patient's prognosis. Early contact with a transplant center in the presence of ALF is essential. Treatment of patients with ALF requires good interdisciplinary collaboration between hepatologists, intensivists, and transplant surgeons. Multi-organ failure, infections, and bleeding complications are feared complications of ALF and can complicate the path to transplantation.