Pediatria pre prax 6/2022

Specifics of pediatric acute liver failure

Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a rare, life-threatening clinical syndrome with significant morbidity and high mortality. It manifests by sudden liver dysfunction, which can be brought via disparate etiology. PALF is characterized by a rapid progression that can lead to early death or liver transplantation. Early diagnosis and therapy are important for the patient’s survival. The definition of acute hepatic failure in children was adapted from the definition of adult patients and includes hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy and encephalopathy. Encephalopathy is not the key sign for acute hepatic failure. However, the etiology, age, clinical manifestation, geographical and socioeconomic factors are different in adult patients and children with acute liver failure (ALF) and they have a fundamental impact on the prognosis. Development of a diagnostic procedure that takes into account the specifics of childhood, identification of potential causes, indication of adequate therapy and recognition of possible complications can be life-saving.

Keywords: pediatric acute liver failure, liver transplantation, liver damage, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, hyperbilirubinemia