ACLF is a severe and life-threatening condition that typically occurs in individuals with pre-existing liver disease, such as cirrhosis. It is characterized by a sudden deterioration of liver function and may lead to multiple organ failure. Common causes of ACLF include infection, alcohol abuse, and medication toxicity.
- People with chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, or viral hepatitis (like hepatitis B or C), almost always experience ACLF. Over time, the liver is gradually harmed by these conditions.
- Numerous factors or triggers, such as bacterial infections (e.g. spontaneous bacterial peritonitis), heavy drinking, drug toxicity, gastrointestinal bleeding, and other liver insults, frequently cause ACLF.
Early recognition, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate management are crucial to improving the chances of survival for individuals with ACLF (Kumar et al., 2020).