What's acute liver failure (ALF)?
Acute liver failure or fulminant hepatitis is a rare but potentially fatal disease. Mortality without supportive management and/or liver transplantation is in excess of 70%. Adult definitions of fulminant hepatic failure, which include the development of hepatic necrosis and encephalopathy within 8 weeks of onset of liver disease do not apply to acute liver failure, in children particularly if secondary to autoimmune or metabolic liver disease.
Acute liver failure (ALF) occurs when many of the cells in the liver die or become very damaged in a short period of time. This causes the liver -- a vital organ that has many important functions -- to fail to work normally, and it causes the brain to not work properly. Because this condition develops so fast, getting care quickly is critical. Acute liver failure usually develops extremely quickly; it can develop over days or weeks. When acute liver failure is caused by drugs or toxins that are consumed, it can develop within 48 hours from the time they are consumed. |
