Acute and subacute fulminant hepatic failure: the role of liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVES

To report the experience of the Australian National Liver Transplant Unit with patients with fulminant hepatic failure and to describe the role of liver transplantation.

PATIENTS

Twenty-seven patients presented with acute or subacute fulminant hepatic failure during the period from January, 1986, to March, 1990. Twenty-two had acute and five had subacute fulminant hepatic failure. The causes were hepatitis B in 10 patients, presumed non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis in eight patients, drug-induced hepatic damage in five patients, and Wilson's disease in four patients. There were 13 males and 14 females. Ages were 2-43 years (mean, 23). Twenty patients (74%) were in grade IV encephalopathy on presentation.

RESULTS

Six patients (22%) began to improve soon after admission and went on to full recovery. Spontaneous recovery was more frequent in patients with drug-induced hepatic damage (four patients [80%]) and was less frequent in those with hepatitis B (one patient [10%]) and NANB hepatitis (one patient [12%]). The other 21 patients (78%) were considered for orthotopic liver transplantation. Eight (30%) were judged to be unsuitable and went on to early death. Thirteen (48%) were suitable for transplantation. Of these five (19%) died before a liver donor became available and eight (30%) received liver grafts and went on to full recovery. Overall, 14 patients (52%) survived and 13 (48%) died. Patients with Wilson's disease (four [100%]) were most suitable for orthotopic liver transplantation whereas eight (44%) of those with hepatitis B or NANB hepatitis were unsuitable. Of the eight patients receiving liver grafts one had hepatitis B, three had NANB hepatitis and four had Wilson's disease. Five were in grade IV encephalopathy at the time of operation. The mean waiting time for transplantation was 6.4 days. Five patients received ABO blood group compatible grafts and three received ABO incompatible grafts. Of the latter group, two subsequently required secondary orthotopic liver transplantation with ABO compatible grafts. All eight patients who received transplants are alive and well 3-24 months after the operation. No patient has any neurological sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthotopic liver transplantation is a preferred option for patients with fulminant hepatic failure whose condition is not responding to conservative management. ABO incompatible livers transplanted in emergency circumstances may prove life-saving either by functioning successfully or by providing time during which ABO compatible grafts become available.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)