Management of the critically ill liver failure patient: Surpassing our limitations to reach transplantation

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of review Patients with liver failure and liver-related diseases are often critically ill. Here, we review advances in donor organ management, tools for patient selection and highlight ICU management of liver transplant (LT) recipients. A focused discussion on the impact each of these factors have on critical care management of liver failure patients is presented. Recent findings Artificial liver assist devices to increase donor organ utilization are broadening the potential for transplantation of critically ill patients. Additionally, prognostication tools continue to improve and identify patients salvageable with transplantation despite severely deranged physiology. Most importantly, early recognition of liver failure combined with proactive critical care management reduces the incidence of failure-to-rescue and increases the likelihood of transplantation. Summary Liver transplantation is often the only hope for cure, and despite the presence of profound physiologic disturbances surgery remains the goal. In this review, we cover topics key in ICU management of LT recipients. A focused discussion on development of artificial liver assist devices to increase donor organs, prognostic scoring systems to define appropriate transplant recipients, critical care management of liver failure physiology, and bridging modalities and supportive measures are presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)145-150
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent opinion in organ transplantation
Volume23
Issue number2
Early online dateFeb 15 2018
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2018

Keywords

  • Bioartificial liver support systems
  • Critical care
  • Decompensated liver disease
  • Liver transplant
  • Prognostication

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Transplantation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Management of the critically ill liver failure patient: Surpassing our limitations to reach transplantation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this