Management of patients with fulminant hepatic failure and brain edema.
Cerebral edema in acute liver failure is associated with a poor prognosis. Optimization of cerebral perfusion pressure and blood flow plays a key role in contemporary management of these patients. However, understanding of the pathophysiology of brain edema is required for optimal patient management. This review explains the relationships between cerebral perfusion and edema and summarizes therapies that are currently used in patients with acute liver failure to prevent and reduce intracranial pressure.
Toftengi
Flemming
F
Department of Hepatology, A-2121, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Larsen
Fin Stolze
FS
D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019586:Intracranial Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000592:standards