Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening condition characterized by jaundice, encephalopathy and coagulopathy leading to multiorgan failure in a patient with no prior history of liver disease. Forty three consecutive patients of ALF admitted in Pediatric ICU were studied for etiology and prognostic factors. Etiology was established in 91% cases. Viral infections were the most common cause. Mortality rate was 44%. Increasing grade of encephalopathy, >7 days interval between the onset of prodromal symptoms and encephalopathy, blood glucose <45mg/dL, serum bilirubin > 10mg/dL and pH <7.35 or >7.45 on admission were found to be associated with increased risk of mortality.
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Kaur, S., Kumar, P., Kumar, V. et al. Etiology and prognostic factors of acute liver failure in children. Indian Pediatr 50, 677–679 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-013-0189-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-013-0189-7