[Acute liver failure--therapeutic aspects 1982].

Fulminant hepatic failure is a relatively rare disease. It develops in approximately 400 patients per year in the Federal Republic of Germany after viral hepatitis, toxic hepatitis or hypoxia of the liver. The mortality ranges between 80 - 90%. Therapy must start early. It consists mainly of intensive conservative care. Of the variety of invasive therapeutic measures only baboon liver perfusion and plasma exchange applied early in the disease seem to be of any benefit.