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Updated: Jul 15, 2025

Generation of a Rat Model of Acute Liver Failure by Combining 70% Partial Hepatectomy and Acetaminophen
Published on: November 27, 2019
Mechanisms and aetiology-dependent treatment of acute liver failure
Peter Lemmer1, Jan-Peter Sowa2, Yesim Bulut2
1Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
Abstract:
This review compiles the mechanisms of acute liver failure (ALF) as well as the current and potential therapeutic approaches, including aetiology-specific treatment, and the issues encountered with such approaches. On a cellular level, ALF is characterized by massive hepatocyte death due to different types of cellular demise. Compensatory hyperplasia and functional recovery are possible when the regenerative capacity is sufficient to sustain hepatic function. ALF has a high mortality of about 30% and can lead to death in a very short time despite maximum therapeutic intervention. Besides aetiology-specific therapy and intensive care, the therapeutic option of emergency liver transplantation has significantly improved the prognosis of patients with ALF. However, due to limiting factors such as organ shortage, many patients die on the waiting list. In addition to graft assessment, machine perfusion may have the potential to recondition marginal organs and thus expand the organ donor pool.
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