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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Generation of a Rat Model of Acute Liver Failure by Combining 70% Partial Hepatectomy and Acetaminophen
Published on: November 27, 2019
Etiologies of acute liver failure
William M Lee1, Emmanuel Seremba
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Texas 75390-8887, USA. william.lee@utsouthwestern.edu
Purpose Of Review:
Acute liver failure remains a unique syndrome that results from massive loss of hepatocytes or hepatocyte function due to a variety of etiologies: viruses, drugs, toxins and other genetic and autoimmune conditions. The resulting clinical picture is remarkably similar across the different etiologies, reflecting common patterns of response of the innate immune system and the resulting inflammatory response. This review highlights developments in the delineation of etiologies of this relatively rare condition.
Recent Findings:
The contribution of different etiologies to the overall picture varies by country. Europe and North America demonstrate a large proportion of cases due to acetaminophen and to idiosyncratic drug reactions, whereas reports from emerging countries in Asia and Africa are more likely to feature viral illnesses, particularly hepatitis B and E. Recent studies have suggested ever more exotic etiologies, new drugs and viruses.
Summary:
A careful search for the cause of acute liver failure in each case is of value in determining whether there are specific antidotes available and what the prognosis might be.
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