scholarly journals Acute liver failure and seizure: a case report of an unusual presentation of acute painless aortic dissection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian-Yu Qiu ◽  
Jason Jia-Hao See ◽  
Haiyuan Shi ◽  
Yu-Jun Wong
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Dissection ◽  
Liver Failure ◽  
Acute Liver Failure ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Atypical Presentation ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Malperfusion Syndrome

Abstract Background Painless aortic dissection presenting with seizure and acute liver failure is uncommon. We described a case of early recognition leading to successful treatment of painless aortic dissection with atypical presentation. Case summary A young lady presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures coupled with hepatitic pattern of deranged liver function test. Examination revealed blood pressure of 99/75 mmHg and hepatic flap. Electrocardiography showed sinus tachycardia. Urgent bedside echocardiography showed preserved cardiac function without significant valvular pathology, but noted a moderate pericardial effusion. Abdominal Ultrasound excluded liver cirrhosis or biliary obstructions. Viral hepatitis serologies and anti-liver panel were negative. She was progressively hypotensive with concurrent acute liver failure and oliguric acute kidney injury. Despite no chest pain, her rising serum troponin and widened mediastinum prompted an urgent computed-tomography aortogram, which showed a 4.3 cm dilatation of ascending thoracic aorta with acute haemopericardium and cardiac tamponade. She was diagnosed with malperfusion syndrome from Stanford type A aortic dissection. She underwent emergent ascending aorta and aortic arch repair and dialysis. She experienced complete recovery in her kidney, liver, and neurological function post-operatively. Discussion Painless aortic dissection masquerade as acute liver failure is uncommon. We describe a successful early recognition of malperfusion syndrome from painless aortic dissection, thus providing window for timely, life-saving intervention. Clinical challenges in this case include: (i) atypical presentation of aortic dissection, (ii) worsening acute liver failure which could lead to unnecessary liver transplantation, and (iii) risk of contrast-induced nephropathy in the setting of acute renal failure.

scholarly journals Wilson Disease-Induced Acute Liver Failure (NWI = 13) Salvaged without Liver Transplant by Plasmapheresis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. e145-e147
Author(s):  
Nida Mirza ◽  
Ravi Bharadwaj ◽  
Smita Malhotra ◽  
Anupam Sibal
Keyword(s):  
Liver Transplantation ◽  
Liver Failure ◽  
Acute Liver Failure ◽  
Wilson Disease ◽  
Prognostic Score ◽  
Prognostic Index ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Copper Metabolism ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
The Brain

AbstractWilson disease (WD) is a disorder of copper metabolism resulting in accumulation of copper in vital organs of the human body, predominantly in the liver and the brain. Acute liver failure in WD has a bad prognosis, especially with a score ≥11 in the revised WD prognostic index; emergency liver transplantation is considered the only life-saving option in this scenario. Here, we reported a girl patient with WD-induced liver failure and poor prognostic score who was rescued by plasmapheresis. She also manifested severe Coombs negative hemolytic anemia and acute kidney injury. This case report highlights the utility of an adjunctive modality besides liver transplantation for the management of fulminant liver failure caused by WD.

scholarly journals Early Detection and Rescue of an Unusual Case of Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Associated with Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphophagocytosis: Case Report from a Liver Transplant Center in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. e141-e144
Author(s):  
Richa Mittal ◽  
Smita Malhotra ◽  
Nameet Jerath ◽  
Amita Mahajan ◽  
Anupam Sibal
Keyword(s):  
Liver Failure ◽  
Acute Liver Failure ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Central Nervous System Involvement ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
Pediatric Acute Liver Failure

AbstractHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, multisystem, potentially fatal clinicopathologic syndrome. HLH presenting predominantly as pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) has been rarely reported. Early recognition is imperative to initiate life-saving treatment but is often hampered due to the rarity of this syndrome, variable clinical presentations, and nonspecific clinical and laboratory findings. In this article, we reported a case of secondary HLH (H1N1 and RSV positive) presenting as PALF from India. A previously healthy 22-month-old boy presented with fever, vomiting, and altered sensorium for 10 days. He had coagulopathy and deranged liver functions. He was evaluated for underlying etiology and managed on lines of PALF. Due to persistent bicytopenia and excessively high ferritin levels, HLH was strongly suspected though he did not fulfill all clinical criteria for the diagnosis of HLH. Presence of seizures and cerebrospinal fluid analysis was suggestive of central nervous system involvement. There was no evidence of primary HLH on genetic evaluation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction amplifications were positive for RSV and influenza A H1N1, confirming the causative triggers. After the administration of immunosuppressants and oseltamivir, the patient's symptoms improved dramatically and he recovered completely. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fourth case reported worldwide till date of successful rescue of ALF in a child associated with HLH completely without resorting to liver transplantation. Clinical vigilance is crucial for possible presence of HLH with varied initial presentations in PALF despite incomplete diagnostic criteria, with detailed etiological workup for commencing life-saving therapy in time.

Acute kidney injury in acute liver failure: a review

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 701-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna K Moore ◽  
Eleanor Love ◽  
Darren G Craig ◽  
Peter C Hayes ◽  
Kenneth J Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Liver Failure ◽  
Acute Liver Failure ◽  
Kidney Injury

scholarly journals A study of Acute Liver Failure in adults in a tertiary care hospital

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 204-207
Author(s):  
Dr. Mohini Singh ◽  
◽  
Dr. Srilakshmi Sathiyaseelan ◽  
Devarasetty Shashank ◽  
Dr. S.R. Ramakrishnan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Function ◽  
Liver Failure ◽  
Acute Liver Failure ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Function Test

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a condition with rapid deterioration of liver function resulting in hepatic encephalopathy and/or coagulopathy in patients with previously normal liver. Acute liver failure (ALF) is an uncommon condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. The prognosis is poor for untreated cases of Acute liver failure, so early recognition and management of patients with acute liver failure is crucial. A cause for acute liver failure can be identified in 60 to 80 percent of patients. Identifying the underlying cause of the liver failure is important because it influences the approach to management and provides prognostic information. Aims and Objectives: The aim of our study is to identify the clinical features, etiology and outcome of acute liver failure in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This study is an observational study where patients with Acute Liver Failure admitted in ICU in our institution after meeting the diagnostic criteria for Acute liver failure were included in the study. Details of history, relevant symptoms and baseline investigations included, complete blood count, blood glucose, renal function test, serum electrolytes, liver function test (LFT), prothrombin time, international normalized ratio (INR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK)], arterial blood gas analysis, arterial lactate, arterial ammonia, amylase and lipase level and pregnancy test (if female) and ultrasonography (USG) abdomen were recorded, MRI brain and other investigations relevant to the admission diagnosis, co morbidities and aetiology if needed were recorded. All the patients received standard supportive treatment for ALF. Results: In this study of 57 patients, majority of the patients were from the age group 41 to 50 years (17 patients) and 31 to 40 years (13 patients). 36 patients were male and 21 patients were females. Jaundice and encephalopathy was observed in all 57 (100%) patients, 24 (42%) patients had INR >2.5, 27 (47%) patients had serum creatinine >1.2 mg/dl and 18 (31.5%) patients had serum ammonia levels >100 micromol/L. The lowest value for serum aminotranferase was observed in infections (other than viral hepatitis) and maximum value was observed in drugs leading to ALF.In 20 (35%) patients viral hepatitis was the cause for ALD, followed by drugs and toxins which was the cause of ALD in 18 (31.5%) patients. Infections other viral hepatitis as the aetiology for ALF was observed in 16 (28%) of patients. Ischemic hepatitis was observed in 1 and Wilson’s disease was noted in 2 patients. Total 6 (10.5%) patients out of 57 patients had died, 4 patients with hepatitis B infection, 1 patient with paracetamol over dosage and 1 patient with dengue fever had died. Conclusion: Viral hepatitis and drugs are the commonest cause for acute liver failure. The aetiology of ALF varies significantly worldwide. Determining the etiology of acute liver failure requires a combination of detailed history taking and investigations. A broad evaluation is required to identify a cause of the acute liver failure, as the prognosis is poor in untreated cases of acute liver failure, so early recognition and management of patients with acute liver failure is crucial.

Acute kidney injury following acute liver failure: potential role of systemic cadmium mobilization?

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 467-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perrine Hoet ◽  
Vincent Haufroid ◽  
Gladys Deumer ◽  
Xavier Dumont ◽  
Dominique Lison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Liver Failure ◽  
Acute Liver Failure ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Kidney Injury

scholarly journals Etiology and Outcome of Acute Liver Failure in Children—The Experience of a Single Tertiary Care Hospital from Romania

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 282
Author(s):  
Alina Grama ◽  
Cornel Olimpiu Aldea ◽  
Lucia Burac ◽  
Dan Delean ◽  
Bogdan Bulata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Failure ◽  
Acute Liver Failure ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Neonates And Infants

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare disease, associated with high mortality, despite optimal medical therapy without emergency liver transplantation. Knowing the possible cause of ALF plays a vital role in the management, as the child could benefit from effective specific therapies in emergencies. Methods: We have analyzed the etiology and outcome of ALF in children followed-up in a tertiary care hospital between January 2012–December 2018. The patients were grouped into different age categories: neonates (0–1 month), infants (1–12 months), children (1–14 years), and teenagers (14–18 years). Results: 97 children (46 males, 47.42%, the mean age of 7.66 ± 8.18 years) were admitted with ALF. The most important causes of ALF were in neonates and infants, infections (72.72%), and metabolic disorders (43.47%), in children and adolescents were the toxic causes (60% and 79.41%). The mortality rate was 31.95% (31 patients), mainly in ALF due to infections or metabolic disorders. Conclusions: In neonates and infants, the main causes of ALF were infections and metabolic diseases, while in older children and teenagers, were toxin-induced liver injuries. The mortality among neonates and infants was significantly higher than in other ages. Early recognition and immediate therapeutic intervention could improve the outcome of these patients.

scholarly journals Continuous renal replacement therapy and its impact on hyperammonaemia in acute liver failure

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-165
Author(s):  
Stephen Warrillow ◽  
◽  
Caleb Fisher ◽  
Heath Tibballs ◽  
Michael Bailey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Renal Replacement Therapy ◽  
Liver Failure ◽  
Acute Liver Failure ◽  
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Ammonia Concentration ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Stage 1

Objective: Hyperammonaemia contributes to complications in acute liver failure (ALF) and may be treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), but current practice is poorly understood. Design: We retrospectively analysed data for baseline characteristics, ammonia concentration, CRRT use, and outcomes in a cohort of Australian and New Zealand patients with ALF. Setting: All liver transplant ICUs across Australia and New Zealand. Participants: Sixty-two patients with ALF. Main outcome measures: Impact of CRRT on hyperammonaemia and patient outcomes. Results: We studied 62 patients with ALF. The median initial (first 24 h) peak ammonia was 132 mol/L (interquartile range [IQR], 91–172), median creatinine was 165 mol/L (IQR, 92–263) and median urea was 6.9 mmol/L (IQR, 3.1–12.0). Most patients (43/62, 69%) received CRRT within a median of 6 hours (IQR, 2–12) of ICU admission. At CRRT commencement, three-quarters of such patients did not have Stage 3 acute kidney injury (AKI): ten patients (23%) had no KDIGO creatinine criteria for AKI, 12 (28%) only had Stage 1, and ten patients (23%) had Stage 2 AKI. Compared with non-CRRT patients, those treated with CRRT had higher ammonia concentrations (median, 141 mol/L [IQR, 102–198] v 91 mol/L [IQR, 54–115]; P = 0.02), but a nadir Day 1 pH of only 7.25 (standard deviation, 0.16). Prevention of extreme hyperammonaemia (> 140 mol/L) after Day 1 was achieved in 36 of CRRT-treated patients (84%) and was associated with transplant-free survival (55% v 13%; P = 0.05). Conclusion: In Australian and New Zealand patients with ALF, CRRT is typically started early, before Stage 3 AKI or severe acidaemia, and in the presence hyperammonaemia. In these more severely ill patients, CRRT use was associated with prevention of extreme hyperammonaemia, which in turn, was associated with increased transplant-free survival.

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