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Epidemiology of Acute Liver Failure

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Abstract

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare clinical syndrome, resulting from rapid loss of hepatic function in a previously healthy young individual. It is defined by the development of coagulopathy and encephalopathy, leading to multiorgan failure with high morbidity and mortality. Over the past decades, improvement in medical management and the introduction of liver transplantation (LT) have dramatically changed the outcome of these patients. In the Western world, ALF accounts for about 7% of LT. A wide range of etiologies can lead to ALF but worldwide viral causes (mainly hepatitis A, B, and E) and drug-induced liver injury (DILI) account for the majority of cases. The prevalence of specific etiologies changes with geographical location and the influence by healthcare interventions such as vaccination programs. The cause of ALF is probably the most significant factor influencing the patient’s outcome and choice of management.

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  1. Liver Intensive Therapy Unit, Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, UK

    Liane Rabinowich & William Bernal

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    Patrizia Burra

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Rabinowich, L., Bernal, W. (2022). Epidemiology of Acute Liver Failure. In: Burra, P. (eds) Textbook of Liver Transplantation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82930-8_26

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