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Semin Liver Dis 2008; 28(2): 188-200
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1073118
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1073118
Intensive Care Management of Acute Liver Failure
Further Information
Publication History
Publication Date:
02 May 2008 (online)
ABSTRACT
The care of patients with acute liver failure (ALF) presents unique clinical challenges to the practicing physician. It combines the management of rapidly progressive, severe multiple organ failure, unpredictable and often devastating complications, and a need for urgent decision-making in the application of emergency liver transplantation. However, outcomes for patients with this condition have shown progressive improvement over the last four decades. In this article, practical clinical approaches to the care of critically ill patients with ALF are discussed, taking an organ systems-based perspective and discussing the underlying pathophysiological processes and major areas of uncertainty as to what constitutes best practice.
KEYWORDS
Acute liver failure - fulminant hepatic failure - intensive care - multiple organ failure
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William BernalM.D. M.R.C.P.
Liver Intensive Therapy Unit, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital,
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
Email: william.bernal@kcl.ac.uk