Acute hepatic failure

Acute hepatic failure is a rapid decline in liver function, typically occurring within days to weeks, characterised by jaundice, coagulopathy, and hepatic encephalopathy in a previously healthy individual. It is crucial in clinical practice due to its high mortality rate and the need for urgent intervention, often requiring liver transplantation. A key association is acetaminophen overdose, which can lead to severe liver damage and necessitates prompt treatment to prevent irreversible injury.