Acute-on-chronic liver failure: a review.
There is no universally accepted definition of acute-on-chronic liver failure; however, it is recognized as an entity characterized by decompensation from an underlying chronic liver disease associated with organ failure that conveys high short-term mortality, with alcoholism and infection being the most frequent precipitating events. The pathophysiology involves inflammatory processes associated with a trigger factor in susceptible individuals (related to altered immunity in the cirrhotic population). This review addresses the different definitions developed by leading research groups, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects, and the latest treatments for this entity.
Department of Endoscopy, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
Luis Eduardo
LE
Zamora Nava
Department of Gastroenterology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
Jonathan
J
Aguirre Valadez
Obesity and Digestive Diseases Unit, Medica Sur Clinic and Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico.
Norberto C
NC
Chávez-Tapia
Department of Gastroenterology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
Aldo
A
Torre
acute kidney injury; acute-on-chronic liver failure; cirrhosis; infection; organ failure