Liver Failure in the Critical Care Setting

Abstract

Acute liver failure (ALF) can be challenging to manage due to the effect of liver failure on other organs and the severity of illness that ensues. Both the practicing surgeon and the intensivist should be aware of the manifestations, workup, and management implications as ALF is not uncommon to many intensive care settings. ALF precipitates a severe multiorgan dysfunction syndrome in a majority of cases, with high rates of complications and an elevated risk of death. Management requires a systemic approach in addition to the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team with an emphasis on early recognition, prompt management of complications, and timely transfer to a transplant center. In the absence of spontaneous recovery, transplantation is the only definitive management option and may not always be feasible or immediately available. The continuing search to develop alternatives is essential. This review contains 2 figures, 9 tables and 70 references Keywords: acetaminophen, acute liver failure, cerebral edema, coagulopathy, hepatitis, jaundice, N-acetylcysteine, transplantation