Acute liver failure: current practice and recent advances.

ALF is an important cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Advances in the management of ICH and SIRS, and cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and renal support have improved the outlook of such patients. Early transfer to a liver transplant center is essential. Routine use of NAC is recommended for patients with early hepatic encephalopathy, irrespective of the etiology. The role of hypothermia remains to be determined. Liver transplantation plays a critical role, particularly for those with advanced encephalopathy. Several detoxification and BAL support systems have been developed to serve as a bridge to transplantation or to spontaneous recovery. However, such systems lack sufficient reliability and efficacy to be applied routinely in clinical practice. Hepatocyte and stem cell transplantation may provide valuable adjunctive therapy in the future.