Editorial: Severe Acute Liver Injury: Cause Connects to Outcome

Abstract

Severe acute liver injury (ALI) is a common condition with little objective study of its natural history and outcomes. In this paper by Koch et al. and the Acute Liver Failure (ALF) Study Group, the authors utilize a consensus definition of ALI requiring newly elevated bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and international normalized ration (INR) without evidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), with HE as the key differentiator of ALI from ALF. They show significantly higher rates of progression to ALF, liver transplantation, or death in non-acetaminophen etiologies of ALI. This study's findings provide guidance in supporting careful allocation of scarce critical care and liver transplant resources for ALI patients.