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Updated: Aug 7, 2025
Generation of a Rat Model of Acute Liver Failure by Combining 70% Partial Hepatectomy and Acetaminophen
Published on: November 27, 2019
High yield on aetiology using a systematic diagnostic approach to paediatric acute liver failure, analysis of a
Thilde Nordmann Winther1, Alex Yde Nielsen2, Allan Lund3
1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Aim:
Paediatric acute liver failure (P-ALF) is a rare and devastating condition that leads to death or liver transplantation (LTx) in 40%-60% of cases. Determining the aetiology can enable disease-specific treatment, aid in prognostication for hepatic recovery and guide the decision-making for liver transplantation. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate a systematic diagnostic approach to P-ALF in Denmark and to collect epidemiological nationwide data.
Methods:
All Danish children aged 0-16 years with P-ALF diagnosed between 2005 and 2018, and who were evaluated using a standardised diagnostic assessment programme, were eligible for retrospective analysis of clinical data.
Results:
A total of 102 children with P-ALF were included (presentation at 0 days to 16.6 years of age, 57 females). Aetiological diagnosis was established in 82% of cases, the remainder were indeterminate. Fifty percent of children with P-ALF of indeterminate aetiology died or underwent LTx within 6 months after their P-ALF diagnosis, compared to 24% of children with an aetiological diagnosis, p = 0.04.
Conclusion:
Following a systematic diagnostic evaluation programme, made it possible to identify the aetiology of P-ALF in 82% of cases which is associated with improved outcomes. The diagnostic workup should never be considered complete but rather adapt to ongoing diagnostic advances.
