Acute liver failure: a management challenge for the practicing gastroenterologist

Abstract

Although comprising a minority of the transplant population, acute liver failure (ALF) patients represent some of the most challenging cases in terms of the level and complexity of care required. An ALF patient requires much more than a single skilled intensivist, gastroenterologist, or surgeon. Successful care of the ALF patient begins with early diagnosis and triage to the appropriate level of care where a multitude of specialties are required to work together to maximize the chance of recovery and/or extend the window of opportunity for transplant.

Keywords: Acute liver failure; acetaminophen; hepatic encephalopathy; hepatitis; liver transplant.

Figure 1

Acute liver failure involvement of multiple organ systems. ARDS=

adult respiratory distress syndrome;

SIRS=

systemic inflammatory response syndrome.