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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recurrent acute liver failure (RALF) in children is defined as two or more episodes of acute liver failure with complete recovery in between. Several genetic mutations are associated with this condition, including NBAS, RINT1, LARS1 and SCYL1. We have reported liver transplant and mortality rates to help providers make informed management decisions. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and one-stage individual participant analysis using EMBASE, MEDLINE and Web of Science for English-language studies of RALF occurring in children with NBAS, RINT1, LARS1 or SCYL1 mutations published on or prior to May 14th, 2025. RESULTS: Our search query identified 62 articles, including 38 (66%) case reports, 13 (22%) case series and 6 (11%) cohort studies. A total of 168 (males, 40%) patients were identified, with first presentation at a median age of 9 months (range 1 week-18 years) and preceded by fever in 110/114 (98%) children. The last episode was documented at a median of 4 years (2 months to 21 years). Patients had a median of 4 (range 2-30) episodes, with only 8 (5%) patients experiencing events after age 10 years. Commonest mutated genes identified were NBAS (66%, n = 111) and LARS1 (18.4%, n = 31). Liver transplant was undertaken in 18 (11%) patients, with no recurrences reported post-transplant. Death was reported in 29 (17.3%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with RALF present in the first year of life and have a self-limiting course. Episodes of acute liver failure are often associated with febrile illness. Liver transplantation for RALF remains controversial and may be less appealing in etiologies that tend to resolve with age. We recommend whole-exome sequencing with a targeted search for NBAS, SCYL1, RINT1 and LARS1 for patients presenting with unexplained acute liver failure in the setting of a febrile illness.
Sutton et al. (Wed,) studied this question.