title: Acute liver failure: a review.
abstract: Since publication of the first descriptions of acute liver failure (ALF) as a distinct clinical entity in the 1950's, the understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved and the management options have increased substantially. ALF still represents a major challenge for todays hepatologists, because it can rapidly lead to multiorgan failure and death that may be preventable with appropriate intervention. This article summarizes the basic patho-physiology underlying ALF, compares epidemiologic trends in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Far East, and reviews prognostic markers and treatment options for ALF.
authors.affiliation: Liver Failure Group, Institute of Hepatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, 69-75 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK.
authors.forename: Shahid A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Naina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Rajiv
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jalan
mesh_terms: D005202:Asia, Eastern / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology