The patient with cirrhosis in the intensive care unit and the management of acute-on-chronic liver failure

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical syndrome characterised by acute hepatic decompensation, multi-organ failure and high mortality, in patients with cirrhosis.  Organ dysfunction in ACLF is often reversible and when necessary these patients should be considered appropriate candidates for admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). The yearly increase in numbers of patients with ACLF admitted to ICU has been matched with an improvement in survival.  ACLF has only been recently defined. In the absence of evidence-based guidelines we outline a systems-based approach to care which encompasses accepted ICU practice and evidence from trials in this cohort. We advocate for timely referral to specialist liver centres and consider the complexities of proceeding with liver transplantation. Equally, in a proportion of patients who continue to deteriorate, appropriate ceilings of care should be established.  Future clinical trials may change treatment paradigms but care of patients with ACLF is undoubtedly becoming an integral part of an intensivist’s practice. We hope that this review is a welcome starting point when managing this complex clinical syndrome.