Coagulopathy of acute liver failure

Clin Liver Dis. 2009 Feb;13(1):95-107. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2008.10.001.

Abstract

Coagulopathy is an essential component of the acute liver failure (ALF) syndrome and reflects the central role of liver function in hemostasis. ALF is a syndrome characterized by the development of hepatic encephalopathy and coagulopathy within 24 weeks of the onset of acute liver disease. Coagulopathy in this setting is a useful prognostic tool in ALF and a dynamic indicator of the hepatic function. If severe, it can be associated with bleeding and is commonly a major obstacle to the performance of invasive procedures in patients with ALF. This review focuses on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, evaluation, and management of coagulopathy in ALF.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / epidemiology
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / etiology
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Hemorrhage / epidemiology
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Humans
  • International Normalized Ratio
  • Liver Failure, Acute / blood*
  • Liver Failure, Acute / complications
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / therapy