Anaesthesia for Liver Transplantation in Fulminant Hepatic Failure A practical approach

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is defined by sudden onset of encephalopathy, coagulopathy and jaundice in an otherwise normal individual. Fulminant hepatic failure results in progressive multi-organ failure with a dramatic impact in the brain. Severe cerebral edema is a frequent finding that ultimately lead to intracranial hypertension and death. The management of patients with FHF is aimed mainly in prevent or reversing increased intracranial pressure associated with support treatment for other failing organs. The definitive treatment for patients with FHF is liver transplantation. This article aims to present a practical approach to anesthesia care and intraoperative management of patients with FHF.