The liver in critical illness

Authors

Tessa W. Damm, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
David Kramer, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Damm TW, Kramer DJ. The Liver in Critical Illness. Crit Care Clin. 2016;32(3):425-38. DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2016.02.002

Affiliations

Critical Care Medicine & Neurocritical Care, Aurora Critical Care Service

Abstract

Caring for critically ill patients with acute and/or chronic liver dysfunction poses a unique challenge. Proper resuscitation and early consideration for transfer to liver transplant centers have resulted in improved outcomes. Liver support devices and cellular models have not yet shown mortality benefit, but they hold promise in the critical care of patients with liver disease. This article reviews pertinent anatomic and physiologic considerations of the liver in critical illness, followed by a selective review of associated organ dysfunction.

Document Type

Article

PubMed ID

27339681