Surgery>>>>>Liver
Question 7#

The most common cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the United States is:

A. Acute viral hepatitis
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Autoimmune hepatitis
D. Drug/toxin-induced (including acetaminophen)

Correct Answer is D

Comment:

Acute liver failure (ALF) is defined as development of hepatic encephalopathy within 26 weeks of severe liver injury in a patient with no history ofliver disease or portal hypertension. In developing countries, the most common etiology of ALF is viral infections, including hepatitis B, A, and E. In the West (including the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, and most of Europe), 65% of ALF cases are related to drugs and toxins, especially acetaminophen.