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Overview on acute-on-chronic liver failure

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Abstract

Liver failure (LF) is defined as severe dysfunction in hepatic synthesis, detoxification, and metabolism induced by various etiologies. Clinical presentation of LF typically includes severe jaundice, coagulation disorder, hepatic encephalopathy, and ascites. LF can be classified into acute LF, acute-on-chronic LF (ACLF), and chronic LF. ACLF has been demonstrated as a distinct syndrome with unique clinical presentation and outcomes. The severity, curability, and reversibility of ACLF have attracted considerable attention. Remarkable developments in ACLF-related conception, diagnostic criteria, pathogenesis, and therapy have been achieved. However, this disease, especially its diagnostic criteria, remains controversial. In this paper, we systemically reviewed the current understanding of ACLF from its definition, etiology, pathophysiology, pathology, and clinical presentation to management by thoroughly comparing important findings between east and west countries, as well as those from other regions. We also discussed the controversies, challenges, and needs for future studies to promote the standardization and optimization of the diagnosis and treatment for ACLF.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hepatitis C and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China

    Jing Zhang

  2. Beijing Artificial Liver Treatment & Training Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China

    Shan Gao & Zhongping Duan

  3. Collaborative Innovation Center of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100069, China

    Jing Zhang, Shan Gao & Zhongping Duan

  4. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, Irvine, Medical Center, Orange, CA, 92868, USA

    Ke-Qin Hu

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  1. Jing Zhang
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  2. Shan Gao
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  3. Zhongping Duan
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  4. Ke-Qin Hu
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Correspondence to Zhongping Duan or Ke-Qin Hu.

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Zhang, J., Gao, S., Duan, Z. et al. Overview on acute-on-chronic liver failure. Front. Med. 10, 1–17 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11684-016-0439-x

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