ICU management of acute liver failure

Clin Chest Med. 2009 Mar;30(1):71-87, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2008.10.001.

Abstract

Survival of patients presenting with acute liver failure (ALF) has improved because of earlier disease recognition, better understanding of pathophysiology of various insults leading to ALF, and advances in supportive measures including a team approach, better ICU care, and liver transplantation. This article focuses on patient management and evaluation that takes place in the ICU for patients who have acute liver injury. An organized team approach to decision making about critical care delivered during this period of time is important for achieving a good patient outcome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / diagnosis
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / etiology
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / therapy
  • Critical Care / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia, Induced
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Intracranial Hypertension / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Hypertension / etiology
  • Intracranial Hypertension / therapy
  • Liver Failure, Acute / diagnosis
  • Liver Failure, Acute / etiology
  • Liver Failure, Acute / physiopathology
  • Liver Failure, Acute / therapy*
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Nutritional Support
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Renal Insufficiency / diagnosis
  • Renal Insufficiency / etiology
  • Renal Insufficiency / therapy
  • Shock / diagnosis
  • Shock / etiology
  • Shock / therapy