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SMJ // Article

Perspectives

Know Your Guidelines: American Journal of Gastroenterology Clinical Guidelines on Acute Liver Failure

Authors: Chloe N. Hundman, MD, James Grant Pearson, MD, Grace Ann Thomas, MD, Christopher D. Jackson, MD, Desirée C. Burroughs-Ray, MD, MPH

Abstract

Acute liver failure (ALF) is defined as acute liver injury complicated by encephalopathy and coagulopathy in patients without previous cirrhosis. The most common causes of acute liver injury are acetaminophen hepatotoxicity, drug reactions, and hepatitis B infection. The signs and symptoms of ALF include jaundice, abdominal pain, edema, malaise, confusion, nausea, and bruising or bleeding easily, all of which can significantly affect the quality of life of a patient. The incidence of ALF ranges from 2000 to 3000 cases annually in the United States.1
Posted in: Gastroenterology56

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