Fulminant hepatic failure

In recent years, considerable progress has been made in developing specific and supportive medical measures that have improved prognosis in FHF. Although new techniques for cell culture and perfusion have also resulted in a number of promising devices for the provision of temporary liver support, their clinical efficacy is as yet uncertain. Controlled multicenter trials in well-defined patient groups and with standardized outcome measures will be essential to evaluate the clinical value of these devices properly. The same considerations must also apply in assessing the efficacy of hepatocyte transplantation in FHF. A better understanding of mechanisms responsible for liver cell death and multiorgan failure, and the development of strategies to enhance liver regeneration may, in the future, allow a more targeted approach to therapy.