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Intensive Care Management of Children with Acute Liver Failure

  • Symposium on PICU Protocols of AIIMS
  • Published:
The Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Acute liver failure is an uncommon condition associated with multi organ involvement, high morbidity and mortality. Etiology of acute liver failure varies with age and geographical location. Most cases of acute liver failure in India are due to infectious causes predominantly viral hepatitis. A significant group with indeterminate causation remains, despite careful investigation. The etiology of acute liver failure in infants is largely metabolic. The mainstay of management is supportive care in an intensive care unit. Monitoring of clinical and biochemical parameters is done frequently until the patient becomes stable. Mortality is predominantly due to raised intracranial pressure, infections and multi-organ failure. Liver transplant is an important life saving procedure for children with acute liver failure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Vidyut Bhatia & Rakesh Lodha

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  1. Vidyut Bhatia
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  2. Rakesh Lodha
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Correspondence to Rakesh Lodha.

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Bhatia, V., Lodha, R. Intensive Care Management of Children with Acute Liver Failure. Indian J Pediatr 77, 1288–1295 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-010-0167-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-010-0167-1

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