European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology
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Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · Sep 1999
ReviewAcute liver failure; clinical features and management.
Acute liver failure (ALF) is uncommon and may be associated with a high mortality rate. Its aetiology shows considerable geographical variation, with viral hepatitis the most common worldwide, whilst acetaminophen (paracetamol) induced hepatotoxicity forms the most common precipitant in many developed countries. ⋯ The early identification of patients unlikely to survive without emergency liver transplantation is important to maximize the possibility of an available graft. Survival in those patients who undergo transplantation may be in excess of 75%.