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The Liver in Critical Illness
Tessa W Damm1, David J Kramer2
1Critical Care Medicine & Neurocritical Care, Aurora Critical Care Service, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Critical Care Clinics
|June 25, 2016
Summary
Caring for critically ill patients with liver dysfunction requires prompt resuscitation and consideration for liver transplant. While liver support devices show promise, they haven't yet improved survival rates in critical care settings.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Hepatology
- Transplantation
Background:
- Critically ill patients with liver dysfunction present unique management challenges.
- Acute and chronic liver failure necessitate specialized care approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomical and physiological aspects of the liver in critical illness.
- To selectively review organ dysfunction associated with liver disease in critical care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on critical care of liver dysfunction.
- Selective review of associated organ dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Early resuscitation and transfer to liver transplant centers improve outcomes.
- Liver support devices and cellular models currently lack proven mortality benefit but show future potential.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of critically ill patients with liver dysfunction involves prompt resuscitation and timely transplant evaluation.
- Ongoing research into liver support technologies is crucial for advancing critical care for liver disease patients.
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