Liver transplantation for acute hepatic failure.

There are numerous causes of acute hepatic failure (AHF). Cerebral edema, coagulopathy, renal failure, metabolic disturbances and infection are the main clinical sequelae. Patients with AHF should be stabilized when first encountered and transferred to the nearest liver transplant center, as AHF progresses quickly and is often fatal. There are few adequate medical interventions and care of patients with AHF is supportive until spontaneous recovery ensues. If recovery does not appear to occur, most causes of AHF are well accepted indications for liver transplantation.