ABSTRACT
Despite advances in critical care management, prognosis in fulminant liver failure (FHF) remains poor, with mortality between 70 and 90%.1 Introduction of orthotopic liver transplantation has improved outcome and increased patient survival. The paradigm of medical management of FHF focuses on patient stabilization and expectant management until either the patient’s liver recovers or liver transplantation can be carried out. In this chapter, guidelines for the medical management of FHF patients will be discussed based primarily upon our own experience at the Liver Support Unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
