Class III obesity is a risk factor for the development of acute on chronic liver failure in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome that occurs in patients with cirrhosis, characterized by acute hepatic decompensation, organ system failure, and 28-day mortality of greater than 15%.[1] The pathophysiology of ACLF has not been fully elucidated, but appears to be a consequence of a dysregulated inflammatory response, resulting in rapidly evolving organ failure and mortality.[2 –6] The reported prevalence of ACLF among those hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis approaches 30%[1] and associated healthcare costs of ACLF are as high as $1.7 billion in the United States (US).

Source: Journal of Hepatology - April 27, 2018 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Vinay Sundaram, Rajiv Jalan, Joseph C. Ahn, Michael R. Charlton, David S. Goldberg, Constantine J. Karvellas, Mazen Noureddin, Robert Wong Source Type: research