Update on acute liver failure.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

Although advances in critical care management and liver transplantation have improved survival in acute liver failure (ALF), mortality remains significant. An evidence base to support management has been lacking, due to the condition's rarity, severity and heterogeneity. The purpose of this review is to critically appraise the latest evidence, updating clinicians on the current understanding of the best management.

RECENT FINDINGS:

Transplant-free survival in acetaminophen-related ALF has improved considerably, such that reconsidering thresholds for transplant is required, perhaps utilizing biomarkers of liver regeneration. Autoimmune hepatitis-related ALF may be too advanced to permit rescue with corticosteroids, which could be deleterious in the sickest patients. Acute kidney injury is commoner in ALF than previously suspected. Intracranial pressure monitoring does not appear to alter mortality. Despite altered traditional indices of coagulation, new thrombin generation assays suggest a rebalanced coagulation in liver failure. Antimicrobial prophylaxis may not be required in all patients. Liver support systems remain controversial and require further evaluation.

SUMMARY:

Traditional dogma in ALF management is questioned: transplant thresholds for acetaminophen overdose, steroid use in autoimmune ALF, routine antimicrobial prophylaxis, the coagulopathy of liver disease, the value of intracranial pressure monitoring and extracorporeal liver support.

• Authors: Arjuna Singanayagam, William Bernal
• Journal: Current opinion in critical care (Curr Opin Crit Care) Vol. 21 Issue 2 Pg. 134-41 (Apr 2015) ISSN: 1531-7072 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25689127 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Acetaminophen

Topics

• Acetaminophen (adverse effects)
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (therapeutic use)
• Critical Care
• Hepatitis, Autoimmune (complications, therapy)
• Humans
• Intracranial Hypertension (etiology, mortality)
• Liver Failure, Acute (etiology, mortality, therapy)
• Liver Transplantation (methods)