Fulminant hepatic failure

Surg Clin North Am. 1999 Feb;79(1):77-108. doi: 10.1016/s0039-6109(05)70008-6.

Abstract

Fulminant hepatic failure is a disease of varied causes and a high mortality rate. A sudden onset, jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, and multiorgan failure are the hallmarks of this syndrome. The management of patients with FHF requires a multidisciplinary approach and intense monitoring. The availability of liver transplantation has provided the means to rescue such patients from near-certain death. Early prognostication and timely availability of donor livers are requirements for a successful outcome. The development of effective artificial liver support devices may greatly prolong the window of opportunity to provide a donor liver, or alternatively, to allow the native liver to regenerate.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / adverse effects
  • Amanita
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / adverse effects
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy* / etiology
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy* / physiopathology
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / methods
  • Monitoring, Physiologic

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Acetaminophen