Question
My baby has been feeling unwell lately, with poor appetite and vomiting after eating very little. Sometimes, they feel weak and their skin has turned yellowish, which they often touch, especially at night. They always press their abdomen, complaining of pain and swelling. They also feel nausea and want to vomit. How can I assist in such situations: What causes pediatric liver failure and what dangers does it pose?
Answer
Acute Liver Failure (ALF) refers to a condition where patients without pre-existing liver disease (primarily liver cirrhosis) suddenly develop acute severe liver dysfunction due to massive liver cell necrosis or loss of function. This leads to a clinical syndrome characterized primarily by hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and coagulation dysfunction. This syndrome is severe, with complex clinical symptoms and a high mortality rate, posing a significant threat to people’s health.