Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) is a serious condition in which a person with existing chronic liver disease develops sudden deterioration and may develop failure of the liver and other organs. In carefully selected patients, liver transplantation for ACLF can be a potentially life-saving treatment.
When Is Liver Transplant Considered for ACLF?
Patients with ACLF may experience jaundice, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, confusion, kidney dysfunction, infections, or other complications. A liver transplant evaluation may be considered when liver function is severely compromised and recovery with medical treatment is unlikely. The transplant team assesses liver disease severity, organ function, infection status, overall health, and transplant suitability before recommending surgery.
What Does ACLF Liver Transplant Treatment Involve?
Treatment typically begins with intensive medical management and stabilization while the transplant team evaluates the patient. If transplantation is appropriate, the diseased liver is surgically replaced with a healthy donor liver. After surgery, close monitoring and immunosuppressive medicines are required to reduce the risk of organ rejection.
Benefits of Liver Transplantation for ACLF
For appropriately selected patients, transplantation can restore liver function and provide an opportunity for long-term recovery. Outcomes depend on factors such as the severity of ACLF, the number of organs affected, infection control, overall health, and timely treatment.