Pediatric Acute Liver Failure: Current Perspectives
Journal Title: Liver Research – Open Journal - Year 2017, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
It is well known that acute liver failure (ALF) in children is rare but potentially a life-threatening disorder. Its true incidence in the pediatric population is undetermined but is responsible for 10-15% of all pediatric liver transplantations.1 Unlike adults, a specific cause of pediatric ALF is not identified in almost half of the cases,2 and the etiology is classified as indeterminate in 18-47% of all patients.1 The etiology is important because the survival rate and need for liver transplantation vary depending on the diagnosis. Spontaneous recovery is better in children with toxic etiology and worst for those with indeterminate or other causes.1,2 There is no specific treatment for most ALF cases, and the mainstay of medical care is to minimize complications and to limit additional morbidity.3 ALF can be associated with rapidly progressive multiorgan failure and high mortality rates. One of the leading causes of death is cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension (ICH), responsible for about 20-25% of all deaths.3 From that perspective, it is desirable to develop new therapies/technologies for diagnostic investigation and interventions.
Authors and Affiliations
José Colleti Jr.
Keywords
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- EP ID EP556370
- DOI 10.17140/LROJ-2-111
- Views 147
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