Acute liver failure

Acute liver failure is a rare syndrome and is primarily caused by paracetamol toxicity in developed nations. Survival for patients with acute liver failure has steadily improved over the last few decades from approximately 20% to greater than 60%. This marked improvement in survival has been due to a combination of improvements in medical practice and the use of emergency liver transplantation in selected patients. Early recognition and timely initial management in the non-specialist centre can significantly improve outcomes. Patients should be simultaneously discussed with a transplant centre and referred to critical care. Close liaison with transplant centres to ensure timely transfer in deteriorating patients is important.