Acute liver failure is a medical disorder. Causes of acute liver failure are many. Acute liver failure may occur without any specific cause. Acute liver failure outcomes vary by etiology, favorable prognoses across acetaminophen overdose, ischemia, and hepatitis A.
Clinical Trials and Research Studies on Acute Liver Failure
New York (USA), June 24, 2013
Acute Liver Failure: Clinical Trials and Research Studies
Acute liver failure is a challenging medical disorder. Causes of acute liver failure are many. Sometimes, acute liver failure occurs even without any specific cause. Treatments aim at reducing complications arising due to acute liver failure and thereby reduce its impact. However, such treatments are not always successful. Liver transplantation is the best and proven treatment for acute liver failure. Extensive intensive care support has increased mortality rates in acute liver failure patients. Survival rates have improved significantly.
Acute liver failure outcomes vary by etiology, favorable prognoses across acetaminophen overdose, ischemia, and hepatitis A. However, prognoses are poor across hepatitis B, drug-induced acute liver failure, and indeterminate cases. Varied therapeutic approaches like liver assist devices, hypothermia, N-acetylcysteine, and hepatocyte transplantation are gaining recognition. Stem cell research indicates possibility of creation of cells for bio-artificial liver support. Extensive basic and clinical researches are coming up with supportive therapy and possibilities for better outcomes of acute liver failure.
Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema: This is the primary cause for morbidity and mortality in acute liver failure patients. The exact etiology of intracranial hypertension is considered multifactorial although there is no clear definition to that effect. Hyper-ammonemia can be a primary cause for cerebral edema.
Cytotoxic Edema: Increased concentration of glutamine in brain is the cause behind acute liver failure. Poor cellular osmo-regulation coupled with high glutamine levels leads to cytotoxic edema.
Multisystem Organ Failure: Poor systemic vascular resistance with low levels of organ perfusion and circulatory insufficiency prompt multi-organ failure in acute liver failure patients.
Vasogenic Factors: Acute liver failure causes an increase in intracranial blood volume and cerebral blood flow. Disruption of cerebral auto-regulation is the main cause behind increased cerebral blood flow. High levels of systemic nitric oxide concentrations act as a potent vasodilator.
Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity: Extensive use of acetaminophen is the primary cause for acute liver failure. Oxidative metabolite of acetaminophen is extremely potent. Normally, glutathione restricts reactive metabolite and prevents nonspecific oxidation of cellular structures, which otherwise could lead to severe hepato-cellular dysfunction. Even moderate consumption of alcohol regularly depletes glutathione reserves. This causes potentially lethal hepatotoxicity even with normal dosage of acetaminophen. Often, acute liver failure patients suffer due to unrecognized acetaminophen toxicity.
Acute Liver Failure – Definition and Diagnosis
Definition and Diagnosis of Acute Liver Failure
Acute Liver Failure – Causes and Evaluation
Causes and Evaluation of Acute Liver Failure
Acute Liver Failure – Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Liver Failure
Acute Liver Failure – Complications and Risk Factors
Complications and Risk Factors for Acute Liver Failure
Acute Liver Failure – Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures for Acute Liver Failure
Acute Liver Failure – Treatments and Medications
Treatments and Medications for Acute Liver Failure
Acute Liver Failure – Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies
Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies for Acute Liver Failure
Acute Liver Failure – Prevention and Coping
Prevention and Coping with Acute Liver Failure
Acute Liver Failure – Lifestyle Changes and Self-Help
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Help for Acute Liver Failure
Acute Liver Failure – Prevention, Treatment, and Remedies
Acute Liver Failure – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, Treatment, and Remedies