Michal Brunčák, Ľubomír Skladaný, Jozef Baláž, Svetlana Adamcová-Selčanová
Acute-on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a distinct entity that occurs in patients with cirrhosis, usually after precipitating
event. It is characterised by high short-term mortality, resulting from the development of organ failure. Most frequently
the inducing factor is alcohol or infection in our country. The ACLF has taken multiple definitions, but until now,
there have not been exact diagnostic criteria. Finally, a consortium of European centres (EASL-CLIF consortium) has offered
a new definition and prognostic index, based upon a real data of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. This review
addresses besides the new ACLF definition, pathophysiological aspects and the latest treatments for this devastating
syndrome.