Abstract
Fulminant hepatic failure is the rapid onset of life-threatening hepatic decompensation in patients who have no previous history of liver disease. This condition has a multifactorial etiology, including viral hepatitis and drug toxicity. At this time there is no specific therapy for FHF. However, early diagnosis and treatment of the complications - in particular, cerebral edema - may prolong survival and prevent irreversible neurologic complications. Once the diagnosis has been made, patients with FHF should promptly be transferred to a specialized liver care unit where liver transplantation is available. Liver transplantation is now the treatment of choice for patients with clinical characteristics suggesting a poor chance of survival.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1892-1894 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Transplantation proceedings |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - 1991 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Transplantation