The term acute liver failure (ALF) is frequently applied as a generic expression to describe patients presenting with or developing an acute episode of liver dysfunction. In the context of hepatological practice, however, ALF refers to a highly specific and rare syndrome, characterised by an acute abnormality of liver blood tests in an individual without underlying chronic liver disease. The disease process is associated with development of a coagulopathy of liver aetiology, and clinically apparent altered level of consciousness due to hepatic encephalopathy. Several important measures are immediately necessary when the patient presents for medical attention.

• 1. At the end of the session the attendee will be confident with the diagnosis and work up of a patient presenting with acute liver failure.
• 2. The attendee will be familiar with the basic principles of the care of a patient with Acute Liver Failure including indications for referral for Liver Transplantation.