Current Insights Regarding Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease (IFALD): A Narrative Review

Nutrients. 2023 Jul 17;15(14):3169. doi: 10.3390/nu15143169.

Abstract

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is a spectrum of liver disease including cholestasis, biliary cirrhosis, steatohepatitis, and gallbladder disease in patients with intestinal failure (IF). The prevalence of IFALD varies considerably, with ranges of 40-60% in the pediatric population, up to 85% in neonates, and between 15-40% in the adult population. IFALD has a complex and multifactorial etiology; the risk factors can be parenteral nutrition-related or patient-related. Because of this, the approach to managing IFALD is multidisciplinary and tailored to each patient based on the etiology. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the etiology and pathophysiology of IFALD and examines the latest evidence regarding preventative measures, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for IFALD and its associated complications.

Keywords: intestinal failure; intestinal failure associated liver disease; parenteral nutrition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intestinal Diseases* / complications
  • Intestinal Diseases* / therapy
  • Intestinal Failure*
  • Liver Diseases* / complications
  • Liver Diseases* / therapy
  • Liver Failure*

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.