Epidemiology of liver failure in Asia‐Pacific region

Abstract

It is important to understand the concept of liver failure because it can manifest in a number of phenotypes. If the onset of liver dysfunction or jaundice is accompanied by encephalopathy within days or weeks, it is called acute liver failure (ALF). 1 If chronic liver disease is rapidly worsened (within 4 weeks) by an acute event such as a hepatitis B or autoimmune flare or excessive alcohol intake, this is called acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). [2][3][4] Early recognition of ACLF before the onset of sepsis and extrahepatic insults (such as renal, circulatory and respiratory failure) is important to help prioritize organ-specific interventions. 5 The syndrome of ACLF is potentially reversible 2 and with early attenuation of acute precipitating event, liver reserve improves, fibrosis regresses and portal pressure decreases. The clinical course and outcomes of ACLF patients are well differentiated from decompensated cirrhosis patients

The changing epidemiology of liver diseases in Asia

“…Jindal et al reviewed the current and changing epidemiological trends of acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in Asia-Pacific region. 17 The definition of ALT and ACLF was not consistent among different counties. Viral hepatitis is the main cause of ALF and ACLF in Asia, but recent data suggest that incidence of ALF and ACLF secondary to drugs, herbs and alcohol is increasing.…”

“…Jindal et al reviewed the current and changing epidemiological trends of acute liver failure (ALF) and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) in Asia‐Pacific region 17 . The definition of ALT and ACLF was not consistent among different counties.…”

Integrated Serum Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Approach to Reveal the Potential Mechanisms of Diwuyanggan Prescription in the Prevention of Acute Liver Injury

“…1,2 ALI can quickly lead to multiorgan failure, coma and is associated with an extremely high rate of mortality. 3 Diwuyanggan (DWYG) is a traditional chinese medicine (TCM) prescription containing 5 herbal medicines, Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., Artemisiacapillaris Thunb., Curcuma longa L., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., and Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.…”

Acute Liver Failure and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in COVID-19 Era

“…Acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), respectively, occur in patients with normal liver and patients with chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis [ 1 ]. In general, both syndromes possess poor prognosis.…”

“…In general, both syndromes possess poor prognosis. The etiology of liver failure, such as hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis D virus (HDV) or hepatitis E virus (HEV), drugs, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and others, varies in various countries [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Although liver failure is currently a common medical disease, its incidence is increasing with the use of alcohol and with the growing epidemic of obesity and diabetes, leading to increases in the incidence of ACLF [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”