Liver Transplantation for Acute and Acute on Chronic Liver Failure

Abstract

Both acute liver failure (ALF) and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) are characterized by acute decompensation of the liver function complicated by high morbidity and mortality. In ALF patients, an acute deterioration of the liver function occurs without any pre-existing liver disease, and it may range from mild forms that recover spontaneously to severe forms that progress rapidly with encephalopathy, multiorgan failure, and high mortality. In these severe forms, liver transplantation is indicated and is a life-saving procedure. ACLF is a clinical syndrome with acute deterioration of liver function in patients with cirrhosis complicated by other organ system failures, and high short-term mortality. In the severe forms of ACLF, liver transplantation represents the only effective treatment.