Clinical Features and Natural History of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in Korean Patients With Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease including liver cirrhosis is still associated with high mortality, although advancement of medical management and transplantation. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) refers to condition of previously stable chronic liver disease with occurrence of an acute insult resulting in rapid deterioration of liver function and subsequent decompensation. This condition is different from liver cirrhosis (chronic hepatic decompensation) in terms of having more chance of recovery with management before acute deterioration, although it shows high short-term mortality. Thus, earlier recognition and intensive management are important for this condition. However, the definition or diagnostic criteria is unclear and the natural course of this condition is not definitely investigated. The aim of this study is to establish the natural course of ACLF in Korean patients.