[Prognosis factors in acute hepatic insufficiency].
BACKGROUND
Acute Hepatic Insufficiency (AHI) is a rare syndrome but has a high mortality rate. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of AHI.


METHODS
Open study, prospective, descriptive of patients diagnosed with AHI in the Liver Unit of the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins State Hospital (HNERM) from February 1999 until January 2003.


RESULTS
Fifteen (15) cases were studied. The average age was 63 (30-81), the M-F ratio was 2/1. The diagnosis was viral Hepatitis B (53.3%), toxic idiosyncratic reactions (20%), undetermined (20%) and Hepatitis A (6.7%). At the time of diagnosis 80% had Grade I encephalopathy and 20% Grade III encephalopathy; 13.3% did not have ascites and 86.7% had mild-moderate ascites; 53.3% had a history of chronic illness (diabetes, chronic renal insufficiency, cardiopathy and others). Average laboratory values were: albumin 2.5 gr./dl, bilirubin 25.9 mg/dl, prothrombin time 29 and Factor V 40.7%. The most frequent complications were sepsis and cerebral oedema. Global mortality was 80%. The average survival time was 16.6 days.


CONCLUSIONS
In most cases the patients were over 60 years of age. The main cause of AHI was viral Hepatitis B, a disease which can be prevented with active immunisation. Infection and cerebral oedema were common causes of death. AHI, although rare, is a rapidly degenerative and fatal condition.
Bustíos
Carla
C
Unidad de Hígado, Departamento del Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins-EsSALUD.
Román
Rossana
R
Dávalos
Milagros
M
Zumaeta
Eduardo
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies