Etiology and Prognostic Analysis of Acute Liver Failure in Chinese Children

Research Background:

Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) refers to the sudden onset of severe liver injury in children without known chronic liver disease, leading to multi-system organ dysfunction, with a mortality rate as high as 50%-70%. The etiology of PALF is complex and varied, including infections, metabolic disorders, and toxins. In developed countries, it is often caused by drug and toxin exposure, while in developing countries, viral infections are the primary cause. Additionally, 30%-50% of PALF cases have an unknown etiology, which increases the difficulty of treatment. Current treatment options include medical management, artificial liver support, and liver transplantation. Liver transplantation is the only proven effective treatment, but issues such as organ shortages and the timing of transplantation affect treatment outcomes. Improving diagnostic capabilities for the etiology and exploring optimal treatment strategies are of significant importance in enhancing the clinical success rate of PALF management.

Research Objective:

To explore the etiology and prognostic factors of pediatric acute liver failure (PALF), analyze the relationship between different causes of PALF and prognosis, and the relationship between different treatment modalities and prognosis. This study aims to investigate the correlation between etiology, treatment methods, and outcomes, providing scientific evidence to improve the precision in diagnosis and treatment of PALF and to enhance decision-making and timing judgments for liver transplantation.