Current gastroenterology reports
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Acute liver failure (ALF) is an uncommon disorder that leads to jaundice, coagulopathy, and multisystem organ failure. Its definition is based on the timing from onset of jaundice to encephalopathy. In 2005, ALF accounted for 6% of liver-related deaths and 7% of orthotopic liver transplants (OLT) in the United States. ⋯ Improved surgical techniques, immunosuppression, and comprehensive care have led to an overall survival rate of approximately 65% with OLT. N-acetylcysteine is effective in ALF caused by acetaminophen overdose, with results strongly related to how soon it is given rather than the route of administration. Liver support systems show potential for the treatment of ALF, but their role needs validation in large multicenter randomized trials.
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Alcoholic hepatitis is a disease with a wide range of severity. Patients with severe disease have short-term mortality rates above 35%. In these high-risk patients, pharmacologic therapy is an important adjunct to supportive medical care and has been proved to improve survival. ⋯ Adequate nutrition is also critical and should be provided by tube feeding if necessary. A prompt decline in serum bilirubin indicates a favorable response to therapy. Patients who do not exhibit a reduction in serum bilirubin within 1 week are considered nonresponders and have a 6-month mortality rate of 50% or higher.