• Jody C Olson.
• Departments of Internal Medicine and Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
• Curr Opin Crit Care. 2019 Apr 1; 25 (2): 165-170.

Purpose Of ReviewHospitalizations due to complications of cirrhosis continue to rise. Patients with chronic liver disease who suffer acute decompensation [acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF)] often require intensive care support and are at high risk for short-term mortality. Given the high mortality rate associated with this condition is incumbent on intensive care providers who care for this patient population to have a working knowledge of ACLF with its associated complications, management strategies and prognosis.Recent FindingsRecognizing ACLF as a distinct clinical entity has gained international attention in recent years though a consensus does not exist. There has been progress on better defining this clinical entity and recent studies have begun to address the critical care needs of these patients. Additional studies are required to define the best care practices for patients with ACLF.SummaryACLF is a condition occurring in patients with chronic liver disease which is commonly associated with a need for intensive care support and carries a high risk of short-term mortality. Intensive care specialists must be familiar with diagnosis and management of this condition.

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