Management of chronic liver failure until liver transplantation.

Abstract

Chronic liver failure is an important cause of morbidity and mortality and is the long-term consequence of many chronic liver diseases. In addition to determining the specific cause of the chronic liver disease, which may be amenable to targeted therapy, it is important to treat the sequelae of chronic liver failure effectively to improve quality of life, to prolong survival, and to provide a bridge to liver transplantation. Once a patient who has chronic liver failure develops hepatic decompensation, liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for those who qualify. Management of chronic liver failure is the focus of this article.