Fulminant liver disease

Clin Liver Dis. 2003 May;7(2):331-49, vi. doi: 10.1016/s1089-3261(03)00026-6.

Abstract

Fulminant liver disease, acute liver failure (ALF), is one of the most intriguing and challenging conditions in the entire field of internal medicine. ALF is defined as the onset of hepatic encephalopathy and coagulopathy in patients with no known underlying liver disease within 8 to 26 weeks of onset of illness. Many cases develop within a few days, dramatically transforming an otherwise healthy individual to a patient with a high risk for developing multi-organ failure and death.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / adverse effects
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / adverse effects
  • Animals
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / complications
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure, Acute / chemically induced
  • Liver Failure, Acute / etiology*
  • Liver Failure, Acute / therapy
  • Liver Failure, Acute / virology
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Acetaminophen