10. Management of Fulminant Hepatic Failure
- E. Jenny Heathcote MB, BS, MD, FRCP, FRCP(C)2,3,4,5
Published Online: 4 SEP 2012
DOI: 10.1002/9781118314968.ch10
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Book Title
Hepatology: Diagnosis and Clinical Management
Additional Information
How to Cite
Lilly, L. B. (2012) Management of Fulminant Hepatic Failure, in Hepatology: Diagnosis and Clinical Management (ed E. J. Heathcote), Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, UK. doi: 10.1002/9781118314968.ch10
Editor Information
- 2
Francis Family Chair in Hepatology Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 3
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 4
Patient Based Clinical Research Division, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 5
University Health Network/Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Publication History
- Published Online: 4 SEP 2012
- Published Print: 12 OCT 2012
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780470656174
Online ISBN: 9781118314968
- Summary
- Chapter
- References
Keywords:
- fulminant;
- hepatitis;
- coma;
- liver transplantation
Summary
Fulminant hepatic failure, a syndrome characterized by multiorgan dysfunction precipitated by acute liver injury in the absence of pre-existing liver disease, represents a unique management challenge. Efforts should be directed to three main goals: (1) identification of the precipitating cause, both to permit the use of disease-specific treatments and to aid in the estimation of prognosis and the appropriateness and timing of transplantation; (2) institution of supportive and prophylactic care measures, usually in the intensive care setting; and (3) determination of the timing of referral for emergency liver transplantation.