title: Fulminant hepatic failure.
abstract: Fulminant hepatic failure is a devastating illness that carries considerable mortality and affects patients with previously healthy livers. Although the etiology of FHF remains unclear in a significant number of cases, viral hepatitis and drug-induced liver injury account for the majority of identifiable causes. The clinical presentation varies widely, but is always characterized by the presence of encephalopathy. Markedly elevated transaminases are seen, but do not correlate with extent of liver injury. Prothrombin time, bilirubin, creatinine, and arterial pH are prognostic indicators of survival in FHF. FHF and its consequences must be readily recognized so that appropriate triage and treatment can be administered. All patients should be managed in an intensive care setting pending transfer to a liver transplantation center. Supportive care remains the mainstay of treatment, with liver transplantation reserved for select patients.
authors.affiliation: State University of New York School of Medicine, Stony Brook, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tripodi
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000209:etiology