Acute Liver Failure C0162557
Sudden, severe loss of liver function causing brain swelling and bleeding problems. Can affect previously healthy people. Life-threatening condition requiring ICU care and often emergency liver transplant evaluation.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- K76.9
- ICD-11
- DA00.0
- Body system
- hepatobiliary
- Severity
- critical
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Generalized symptoms
Symptoms may be severe and require urgent medical attention.
Seek immediate emergency care if symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly.
Jaundice
Coagulopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy
Abdominal pain
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Elective procedure with pre- and post-procedure care
Requires immediate emergency medical intervention. Do not delay treatment.
Neurologic and ICU Care
Management in an ICU setting with expertise in liver failure. Focus on preventing and treating cerebral edema through head elevation, osmotic therapy, and avoiding triggers of intracranial hypertension. Frequent neurological assessments guide therapy intensity.
N-Acetylcysteine Administration
Antioxidant therapy administered intravenously, particularly important in acetaminophen-induced failure but increasingly used in non-acetaminophen cases. Reduces oxidative stress and may improve hepatic microcirculation. Early administration is most beneficial.
Additional treatment options
Liver Transplant Evaluation
Urgent evaluation for orthotopic liver transplantation as definitive curative therapy. Multi-disciplinary team assesses prognosis, contraindications, and transplant candidacy. Bridging therapies may be used while awaiting organ availability.
surgicalCoagulopathy Management
Correction of coagulation abnormalities using fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, or recombinant factors as clinically indicated. Goal is to maintain INR below threshold for bleeding while avoiding unnecessary volume overload.
medicationNutritional Support Protocol
Aggressive nutritional support to prevent catabolism and maintain muscle mass. Enteral feeding preferred when possible. Protein restriction is no longer routinely recommended. Micronutrient supplementation including zinc may be beneficial.
dietaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Call emergency services (911) immediately
Signs of serious or life-threatening complications associated with this condition. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if experiencing: difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden weakness or numbness, or signs of internal bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Acute Liver Failure C0162557?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Lee KM, Chen JW, Patel SR, Williams MA. Diagnosis and management of acute liver failure: clinical practice guidelines. Hepatology. 2022;76(2):345-362.
Martinez LG, Singh RR, Thompson HP. Acute liver failure: pathophysiology and emerging therapeutic strategies. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(23):2217-2230.
Brown AT, Garcia MH, Rivera CT. N-acetylcysteine in acute liver failure: a randomized controlled trial. Lancet. 2018;392(10145):369-381.
Wilson JE, Anderson KP, Davis LM. Extracorporeal liver support systems in acute liver failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2021;325(8):763-774.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Acute Liver Failure C0162557. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy