Future Approaches and Therapeutic Modalities for Acute Liver Failure

Abstract

The current gold standard for the management of acute liver failure is liver transplantation. However, because of organ shortages, other modalities of therapy are necessary as a possible bridge. This article discusses the current modalities as well as the future management of acute liver failure. Liver assist devices, hepatocyte transplantation, stem cell transplant, organogenesis, and repopulation of decellularized organs are discussed.

Keywords: Acute liver failure; ELAD; HepatAssist; Hepatocyte transplant; Liver assist device; MARS; Organogenesis; Stem cell transplant.