Understanding Acute Liver Failure: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management

TLDRAcute liver failure (ALF) is a condition characterized by abrupt liver injury, leading to jaundice, altered mental status, and coagulopathy. It can be caused by various factors, including viral hepatitis, acetaminophen overdose, and idiosyncratic drug injury. Diagnosis involves evaluating liver function and ruling out other potential causes. The management of ALF often requires intensive care and may involve liver transplantation. Early recognition and prompt referral to a liver transplant center are crucial for a favorable outcome.

Key insights

🔍ALF is characterized by jaundice, altered mental status, and coagulopathy.

💡Common causes of ALF include viral hepatitis, acetaminophen overdose, and idiosyncratic drug injury.

🏥Diagnosis involves evaluating liver function and ruling out other potential causes.

🌡️Management of ALF often requires intensive care and monitoring of liver function.

Early recognition and referral to a liver transplant center are crucial for a favorable outcome.

Q&A

What are the common symptoms of acute liver failure?

Common symptoms of acute liver failure include jaundice, altered mental status, and coagulopathy.

What are the common causes of acute liver failure?

Common causes of acute liver failure include viral hepatitis, acetaminophen overdose, and idiosyncratic drug injury.

How is acute liver failure diagnosed?

Diagnosis of acute liver failure involves evaluating liver function and ruling out other potential causes.

What is the management for acute liver failure?

Management of acute liver failure often requires intensive care and monitoring of liver function.

What is the prognosis for acute liver failure?

Early recognition and referral to a liver transplant center are crucial for a favorable outcome in acute liver failure.

Timestamped Summary

00:01A 48-year-old woman presents to the emergency room with jaundice and confusion, suggestive of acute liver failure.

02:50Acetaminophen overdose is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States.

08:08In Asia, viral hepatitis is the leading cause of acute liver failure.