Beyond the Limits of Conventional Coagulation Tests: A Comprehensive Overview of ACLF-Related Coagulopathies.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a complex and severe condition marked by multiple organ failure and high short-term mortality. Coagulopathy, a key component of ACLF, is characterized by rebalanced hemostasis with both hypo- and hypercoagulable features, increasing the risk of bleeding and thrombosis. Conventional coagulation tests, including prothrombin time (PT) and platelet count, fail to fully capture the complexity of coagulation dysfunction in ACLF. Advanced diagnostic tools, like viscoelastic tests (VETs), offer a more comprehensive assessment, yet they remain limited in evaluating endothelial dysfunction and fail to account for reduced levels of anticoagulant factors. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting coagulopathies in ACLF hold promise, but their clinical efficacy remains unclear. A more nuanced approach to diagnosing and managing coagulopathy in ACLF is needed, incorporating advanced hemostatic profiling to better inform prognosis and guide treatment decisions.