Advances in Critical Care Hepatology

Liver disease is a major source of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). Cirrhotic patients admitted to the medical ICU have increased mortality (40 to 90%) and a poor prognosis (1). This article addresses specific management issues for conditions the intensivist is often called on to treat, including fulminant hepatic failure, complications of chronic liver disease such as ascites and hepatorenal syndrome, and sepsis-induced liver dysfunction.