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ALF vs. Acute Liver Injury
- Acute liver failure (ALF) and acute liver injury exist on a continuum.
- ALF involves encephalopathy, faster progression, and more widespread liver cell death.
Encephalopathy in ALF
- Encephalopathy in ALF is caused by the liver's inability to detoxify ammonia, leading to brain swelling.
- This differs from cirrhosis, where encephalopathy is due to shunting of toxins.
Causes of ALF
- Drug-induced liver injury is the most common cause of ALF, with acetaminophen being the most frequent culprit.
- Other causes include viral hepatitis (A, B), and less commonly, ischemic or vascular issues, autoimmune conditions, and malignancy.