What is Acute liver failure?

rapid onset of hepatocellular dysfunction leading to a variety of systemic complications

What are the main clinical features of Acute liver failure?

• jaundice
• coagulopathy: raised prothrombin time
• hypoalbuminaemia
• hepatic encephalopathy
• renal failure is common ('hepatorenal syndrome')

What are the main causes of Acute liver failure?

• paracetamol overdose
• alcohol
• viral hepatitis (usually A or B)
• acute fatty liver of pregnancy

What are the best blood tests to assess synthetic function of the liver?

prothrombin time and albumin level