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Pathophysiology and causes of acute hepatic failure 

Pathophysiology and causes of acute hepatic failure
Chapter:
Pathophysiology and causes of acute hepatic failure
Author(s):

Sameer Patel

and Julia Wendon

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780199600830.003.0194
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date: 26 January 2021

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare, life-threatening clinical syndrome, resulting in loss of hepatic metabolic and immunological function, in a person with no prior history of liver disease. Mortality can still exceed 50%. ALF is characterized by hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and coagulopathy, occurring within days or weeks. Establishing aetiology is essential for treatment, prognostication, and liver transplantation consideration. Viral hepatitis and drug-induced liver failure are the two commonest causes worldwide. Aetiology and time of onset of encephalopathy determines prognosis. Disease progression can rapidly result in multi-organ failure. Ammonia has been postulated in the development of HE, cerebral oedema and intracranial hypertension. Coagulopathy can be highly variable, with some patients prothrombotic, or exhibiting balanced coagulation disorders. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and associated infection are frequently observed. Significant haemodynamic changes are common while renal failure is an independent risk factor for mortality. Respiratory failure is less common. Deranged homeostasis results in severe hypoglycaemia, and metabolic disturbance.

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