title: [Acute liver failure].
abstract: Acute liver failure is characterized by a dynamic clinical course associated with high mortality. The main prognostic determinant is the development of extrahepatic complications. Close monitoring is mandatory, and prophylactic measures to avoid complications should be initiated. In case of complications, early and aggressive treatment is indicated. To date, artificial liver support devices are still in the experimental phase. Liver transplantation should be considered in patients with predictors of a poor spontaneous prognosis. Therefore, a transplant center should be contacted in every case of acute liver failure.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rifai
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bahr
mesh_terms: D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D019164:Liver, Artificial; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate
vernacular_title: Akutes Leberversagen.