The Liver Meeting 2019-Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: Drivers and Consequences of Serious Acute Decompensation in Cirrhosis

Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: Drivers and Consequences of Serious Acute Decompensation in Cirrhosis

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video transcript discusses definitions, drivers, and consequences of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) in both adults and children. The Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of Liver set definitions in 2009, evolving to include high short-term mortality in 2014. Differences in defining ACLF exist, with the APASL and EASL/AASLD definitions prominent. Regarding pediatric ACLF, limited data is available, with studies showing varied etiologies like Wilson's disease and autoimmune hepatitis. GI bleeding and fever are noted precipitating events. Neuroprotection approaches such as hypothermia are discussed, but data on effectiveness, especially in pediatrics, remain inconclusive. Sodium benzoate for managing hyperammonemia is mentioned, but its role in the context of ACLF needs further evaluation. The need for better definitions, more data, and standardized approaches for ACLF management, especially in pediatrics, is emphasized.

Asset Caption

Presenter: James E. Squires

Keywords

acute on chronic liver failure

ACLF

Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of Liver

EASL/AASLD definitions

pediatric ACLF

neuroprotection approaches

hyperammonemia management