Brief discussion on Acute on Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF)

1. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF)
Pratap Sagar Tiwari
Total slides : 44Pic src: EASL

2. Cirrhosis/ Fibrosis/ Chronic liver disease
• Cirrhosis is defined as the histological development of regenerative nodules surrounded
by fibrous bands in response to chronic liver injury, that leads to portal hypertension
and its consequences and end stage liver disease. [1]
• Fibrosis describes replacement of injured tissue by a collagenous scar. Liver fibrosis
results from the perpetuation of the normal wound healing response resulting in an
abnormal continuation of fibrogenesis (connective tissue production and
deposition). [1]
• Chronic liver disease refers to a condition of diffuse involvement of liver parenchyma
that can be due to various etiologies like infections, metabolic, immunologic, toxic or
genetic ,lasting more than 6 months and has a propensity to inflammation followed by
fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis and its complications.
1. Schuppan D and Afdhal NH. Liver Cirrhosis. Lancet. 2008 Mar 8; 371(9615): 838–851.
2

3. Schematic representation of the progression
d'Amico, et al. Clinical states of cirrhosis and competing risks. Journal of hepatology 2018. Volume 68, Issue 3, Pages 563–576 3

4. The beginning..
• In 2009, the APASL provided the first consensus on ACLF, defined as “an acute hepatic
insult manifesting as jaundice and coagulopathy, complicated within 4 weeks by
ascites and/or encephalopathy”.[1] The 2014 definition was further expanded to
include ‘high 28-day mortality’.[2]
• Such initiative led the scientific community to identify new venues of research of a
syndrome with extrahepatic OF a/with short-term mortality.
• Nevertheless, the key terms of the definition ‘acute’, ‘chronic liver’ and ‘failure’ have
several variations. Three other major societies/organisations have provided working
definitions that, although not consistent, lay the groundwork for future research.[3-5]
1. Sarin SK, Kumar A, Almeida JA, et al. Acute-on-chronic liver failure: consensus recommendations of the Asian Pacific Association for the study of the liver (APASL). Hepatol Int 2009;3:269–82.
2. Sarin SK, Kedarisetty CK, Abbas Z, et al. Acute-on-chronic liver failure: consensus recommendations of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) 2014. Hepatol Int 2014;8:453–71.
3. Bajaj JS, O’Leary JG, Reddy KR, et al. Survival in infection-related acute-on-chronic liver failure is defined by extrahepatic organ failures. Hepatology 2014;60:250–6.
4. Jalan R, Yurdaydin C, Bajaj JS, et al. Toward an improved definition of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Gastroenterology 2014;147:4–10.
5. Moreau R, Jalan R, Gines P, et al. Acute-on-chronic liver failure is a distinct syndrome that develops in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Gastroenterology 2013;144:1426–37, 1437.e1–9.

5. Comparison of the existing ACLF definitions
APASL EASL/CLIF NASCELD
Definition Acute hepatic insult manifesting as
jaundice (serum bilirubin ≥ 5 mg/dL and
coagulopathy (INR ≥ 1.5 ) complicated
within 4 weeks by clinical ascites and/or
encephalopathy in a pt with previously
DX or undiagnosed CLD/cirrhosis, and is
a/with a high 28-day mortality.
An acute deterioration of pre-existing
CLD usually related to a precipitating
event and a/with ↑ mortality at
3 months due to MOF
A syndrome characterized by
acute deterioration in a pt of
cirrhosis due to infection
presenting with two or more
extrahepatic OF.
Study cohort First consensus was the expert opinion,
subsequently prospectively evaluated in
1402 pt, subsequently in 3300 pts.
Prospectively studied in 1343 pts Prospectively studied in 507 pts
Inclusion • Compensated Cirrhosis (DX or non-
diagnosed)
• CLD but not cirrhosis
• Acute insult directed to liver
• Presentation with liver failure
• Cirrhosis only
• Compensated or decompensated
• Renal failure is mandatory (not liver
failure for defining ACLF)
• Presentation not necessarily be liver
failure
• Cirrhosis only
• Compensated or DLC
• Two extrahepatic OF
• Presentation not necessarily be
liver failure

6. Comparison of the existing ACLF definitions
APASL EASL/CLIF NASCELD
Exclusion
Criteria
Prior decompensation
HCC
HCC Pts who had infections but did not
require hospital admission.
Cirrhosis without infection.
Immune-compromised pts with HIV
infection, prior organ transplant, and
disseminated malignancies
Homogeneity Yes. Index presentation,
previously unknown or
compensated, acute hepatic
insult leading to liver failure
as the driver
No. Any presentation, with prior
decompensation or recent worsening of
ongoing decompensation, acute insult is
not directed to liver, in particular (40% are
of unknown acute insult), not liver but
extrahepatic OF, i.e., renal failure is must,
systemic inflammation but not the liver as
driver.
No. Any presentation, with prior
decompensation or recent worsening of
ongoing decompensation, acute insult is
not directed to liver in particular
Any extrahepatic OF
Time frame 4 weeks 4–12 weeks (variable) Not defined
6

7. Comparison of the existing ACLF definitions
APASL EASL/CLIF NASCELD
Acute insult Hepatic Hepatic or Systemic (extrahepatic) Infection, i.e., systemic
(extrahepatic)
Sepsis Consequence/complication Cause/precipitant Cause/precipitant
Organ failure Liver is primary to start with.
Others subsequently
Systemic inflammation leading to
kidney failure as the primary with or
without other OF
Systemic inflammation leading to
extrahepatic OF
Disease severity
score
AARC Score-prospective as well as
validated
CLIF-C SOFA MELD
CLIF-C SOFA
7

8. Comparison of the existing ACLF definitions
APASL EASL/CLIF NASCELD
Golden window Well defined for therapy, i.e., by
7 days SIRS or sepsis as well as for
decision regarding LT
No such No such
Pediatric cohort Yes None None
Therapy Regenerative and bridging therapy
with good result
No such No such
Reversibility of
ACLF syndrome
Yes Not described Not described
8

9. Sequence of events in DX Criteria of ACLF: East vs. West
The figure describes the sequence of OF and its mechanism.
• An acute hepatic insult leading to hepatic decompensation is
the driver and subsequent extrahepatic OF is due to failure of
recovery/regeneration and development of sepsis after a
Golden Window.
• With consideration of sepsis as the intiating factor and
development of extrahepatic organ involvement as a part of
definition leads to late identification of the ACLF pts where the
therapeutic windos is lost.
‘Golden window’ is a short period of about 1 week before the onset of sepsis and development of extrahepatic OF in a pt
with ACLF. Therapeutic interventions during this period are likely to prevent OF and provide a potential opportunity for
ameliorating or reversing the hepatic injury and failure [1].
1. Katoonizadeh A, Laleman W, Verslype C, Wilmer A, Maleux G, Roskams T, Nevens F. Early features of acute-on-chronic alcoholic liver failure: a prospective cohort
study. Gut 2010;59(11):1561–1569

10. Reversibility of the ACLF syndrome
• This is a feature of the ACLF defined by the AARC criteria, as nearly all the pts included
are after the index presentation. With mitigation of acute insult and over time, the
hepatic reserve improves, fibrosis regresses and the PP decreases.
• Reversibility is defined as reversal of key components that were used for defining the
syndrome of liver failure, i.e., decrease of bilirubin < 5 mg/dL and reversal of
coagulopathy to INR < 1.5 and no HE with or without resolution of ascites.
It was interesting to find in the large AARC database, of the 1844 pts, about 70% of the survivors beyond day 90,
showed reversibility and they maintained this status for a period of at least 1 year.
Further, unlike pts with DLC and similar to pts with ALF, the reversal of coagulopathy preceded the reversal of jaundice,
i.e., median time to reversal of coagulopathy was 7 (4–30) days versus 19 (7–60) days for jaundice, respectively. The
median time to reversal of syndrome, i.e., jaundice and coagulopathy, was 30 days.

11. Liver failure grading system
• The basic premise for defining a syndrome is to identify a group of patients, who have a
distinct presentation, course and outcome.
• A prospective study using AARC database with 1402 pts from several centers across Asia
included a large derivation cohort of 480 pts from which a dynamic prognostic model was
derived, which was validated in subsequently enrolled 922 pts to predict outcomes
including mortality [1].
• A simple ‘liver failure grading system’ was developed based on variables, namely serum
bilirubin, INR, grade of HE, serum lactate and serum creatinine [2-5].
• Serum lactate levels are elevated in relation to degree of hepatocellular injury,
inflammation and degree of tissue perfusion.
1. Choudhury A, A Jindal SK, Sarin, for the APASL ACLF Working Party, et al. Liver failure determines the outcome in patients of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF)-comparison of APASL-ACLF Research Consortium
(AARC) and CLIF-SOFA model. Hepatol Int 2017;11(5):461–71
2. Shi Y, Yang Y, Hu Y, et al. Acute-on-chronic liver failure precipitated by hepatic injury is distinct from that precipitated by extrahepatic insults. Hepatology 2015;62:232–242
3. Jeppesen JB, Mortensen C, Bendtsen F, Møller S. Lactate metabolism in chronic liver disease. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 2013;73(4):293–299
4. Cardoso NM, Silva T, Basile-Filho A, Mente ED, Castro-e-Silva O. A new formula as a predictive score of post-liver transplan- tation outcome: postoperative MELD-lactate. Transpl Proc 2014;46(5):1407–1412
5. Cordoba J, Ventura-Cots M, Simón-Talero M, Amorós A, Pavesi M, Vilstrup H, Angeli P, Domenicali M, Ginés P, Bernardi M, Arroyo V, CANONIC Study Investigators of EASL-CLIF Consortium. Char-acteristics, risk factors,
and mortality of cirrhotic patients hospital-ized for hepatic encephalopathy with and without acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). J Hepatol 2014;60(2):275–281

12. APASL ACLF research consortium (AARC)
• Grade I, Grade II and Grade III had 28-day mortality of 12.7, 44.5 and 85.9%,
respectively.
• The grades of liver failure showed a potentially recoverable group (Gr. I), a group that
needs special monitoring (Gr. II) and a group that demands immediate interventions
for improved outcome (Gr. III).

13. Liver failure grading system: The AARC model
• The AARC model was found to be better than
existing models for ACLF with an excellent
predictability, i.e., in AUROC of 0.80.
• The AARC-ACLF score is dynamic in nature. It
could predict day 7 (score of 9 or below) and day
28 survival at presentation (score of 9 or below).
• For a baseline score of ≥ 10, with each one unit
↑, the day 7 mortality ↑ sharply compared to
the pts who presented with a score of < 10 (20%
vs. 4%).
• Thus, the AARC score provides a window to
decide early and explore definitive therapies
including LT.

14. Inclusion of organ failure in definition ??
• The Western definitions of ACLF have included OF in the definition.
• In the APASL consensus, It was reiterated that OF other than liver should not be part of
the definition. Diagnosis of liver failure along with kidney, circulatory and respiratory
failure is generally a late event and is often a result of the primary organ, i.e., liver failure
(jaundice, deranged coagulation and/or HE).
• The experts felt that organ dysfunction rather than organ failure should be the time for
raising suspicion and making DX of ALCF rather than when organ failure(s) has already
developed.
• This approach would help in prioritizing organ-specific interventions.

15. Triggers of decompensation in ACLF
• The prevalence of potential triggers also varies by the area of the world. For example, in
the CANONIC study, bacterial infections and alcoholism are the two major identifiable
factors, compared with China, where relapse of hepatitis B was predominant followed by
bacterial infections. [1,2]
The type of injury also seems to influence ACLF outcomes as
recently published by Shi et al.[2] 405 Chinese pts who met
CANONIC criteria were divided in hepatic-ACLF trigger, that is,
driven by primarily liver toxins (alcohol, hepatitis) vs
extrahepatic-ACLF (eg, infections). Both groups had high 28-
day mortality (48.3% vs 50.7%), but this difference changed
after 90 days (58.9% vs 68.3%) and 1-year mortality (63.9% vs
74.6%).
1. Moreau R, Jalan R, Gines P, et al. Acute-on-chronic liver failure is a distinct syndrome that develops in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Gastroenterology 2013;144:1426–37, 1437.e1–9.
2. Shi Y, Yang Y, Hu Y, et al. Acute-on-chronic liver failure precipitated by hepatic injury is distinct from that precipitated by extrahepatic insults. Hepatology 2015;62:232–42.

16. Changing trends for the etiology of acute insult and
chronic injury
• HBV infection–reactivation of hepatitis B-induced ACLF as well as acute HAV/HEV-
induced ACLF shows a ↓ trend over time in certain regions, whereas alcohol and herbs,
drugs and supplements (HDS)-induced ACLF show an ↑trend.
• Alcohol is now the commonest etiology for acute hepatic insult as well as for the
underlying CLD in the Asian continent.
• The unknown causes for acute insult and chronic injury constitute only 5–15% cases of
ACLF in the East in contrast to the West, where these are seen in about 40% of ACLF pts.
In the AARC database, 329 (10%) of the 3132 pts of ACLF had an inciting event due to drugs.

17. Acute variceal bleeding ; is this acute insult ?
• VH has been included as one of the events to define acute decompensation in the natural
history of cirrhosis. VH has also been taken as an acute insult for ACLF in some western
trials of ACLF.
• A scenario may exist that a pt who has already fulfilled the criteria of ACLF and has been
DX ACLF, develops a VH. In such a pt, variceal bleed would be considered as a
complication in the natural history of ACLF.
• It was discussed that for a pt with PHTN and LC who present for the first time with VH
without any previous or present signs or symptoms of CLD, it would not constitute an
acute insult. This is especially relevant if such a pt does not develop any jaundice.
• It was unanimously agreed that AVH is not an acute hepatic insult unless in the pts
where it produces jaundice and coagulopathy fulfilling the criteria of ACLF(<5 %).

18. Other acute insults
• Bacterial infections (Non-hepatotropic infections), if they primarily precipitate hepatic
failure, and present as ACLF, may be considered as a precipitant of ACLF, but data at
present are inadequate to demonstrate that infection per se could lead to jaundice and
liver failure.
• In pts with cirrhosis or BCS, development of acute hepatic vein thrombosis or PVT may
precipitate ACLF. Pts with BCS may infrequently present with or develop ACLF.
• There is no evidence currently to suggest that NCPF or EHPVO may present as ACLF.
18

19. • The term ACLD was first used in 1995 as reported by Rajiv Jalan and much work has been done in this field in the past 5 years, but
still the debate continues. The debate over several issues regarding ACLF clearly indicates that the exact mechanism how ACLF
develops is not completely understood. Either sepsis is a cause or a sequalae of liver injury ,whether caused by hepatic insults or
extra-hepatic insults ; the hallmark event that leads to organ failure which is directly related to outcome of patients with ACLF is
intense systemic inflammation with cytokine burst.
• Systemic inflammation is a hallmark of ACLF; white cell count and plasma levels of CRP and pro-inflammatory molecules such as
interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-8 are higher in pts with ACLF than in those without.
• The inflammatory response develops as mediated by several inducers of inflammation. Inducers of inflammation are either
exogenous or endogenous.
• Among exogenous inducers, only microbial inducers are important.
PATHOGENESIS/PATHOPHYSIOLOGY IN ACLF

20. Endogenous inducers : Microbial: Bacterial inducers
Virulence factor
Structural feature recognition
Functional feature recognition
At the site of infection, the detection of the presence of the bacteria via the recognition of structural and functional
bacterial features is thought to induce complementary responses aiming to eliminate the invading microbe.
Text in the next slide

21. Text for the previous slide
• Bacteria trigger inflammation by using two distinct classes of molecules: pathogen-associated molecular patterns
(PAMPs) and virulence factors.
• PAMPs are unique molecular signatures that are recognised via dedicated receptors called pattern-recognition receptors
(PRRs), a process called structural feature recognition. PRRs are expressed in innate immune cells and epithelial cells.
• PRRs include toll-like receptors (TLRs), nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptors (NLRs), retinoic acid-
inducible gene (RIG)-I (a member of the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) family), cytosolic DNA sensors, inflammatory caspase-
4/5.
• PRR engagement by PAMPs stimulates intracellular signalling cascades that activate transcription factors, for example,
nuclear factor-κB. PRR-activated transcription factors induce a broad variety of genes encoding molecules involved in
inflammation such as cytokines, chemokines, among others.
• Virulence factors represent the second class of bacterial inducers of inflammation.These factors are generally not
recognised by dedicated receptors but detected through the effects of their activity (a process called functional feature
recognition). At the site of infection, the detection of the presence of the bacteria via the recognition of structural and
functional bacterial features is thought to induce complementary responses aiming to eliminate the invading microbe.
• Viruses or fungi are recognised by different PRRs. For example, viral nucleic acids can be recognised by endosomal TLRs,
cytosolic receptors (RLRs or DNA sensors). Fungi express PAMPs that are detected by C-type lectin receptors. Like
detection of bacterial PAMPs, that of viral or fungal PAMPs can trigger inflammation.
21

22. Endogenous inducers
• Endogenous inducers are released by necrotic cells or as a result of extracellular matrix
breakdown.[1,2]
• These endogenous inducers are called danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)[2]
because they alert the host’s immune system about the presence of a serious tissue injury.
• DAMPs are recognised by receptors of the host and this recognition induces sterile
inflammation.
1. Medzhitov R. Origin and physiological roles of inflammation. Nature 2008;454:428–35.
2. Kono H, Rock KL. How dying cells alert the immune system to danger. Nat Rev Immunol 2008;8:279–89. 22

23. Severe alcoholic hepatitis
• However, systemic inflammation is also observed in pts with SAH without clinically
detectable bacterial infection.[1,2]
• In this context, systemic inflammation may originate in the diseased livers from pts with
SAH. Several pro-inflammatory molecules are overexpressed in livers with SAH relative to
livers without SAH,[3] suggesting that these molecules may spill-over the liver and reach
systemic circulation.
1. Moreau R, Jalan R, Gines P, et al. Acute-on-chronic liver failure is a distinct syndrome that develops in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Gastroenterology 2013;144:1426–37, 1437.e1–9.
2. Michelena J, Altamirano J, Abraldes JG, et al. Systemic inflammatory response and serum lipopolysaccharide levels predict multiple organ failure and death in alcoholic hepatitis. Hepatology 2015;62:762–72.
3. Dominguez M, Miquel R, Colmenero J, et al. Hepatic expression of CXC chemokines predicts portal hypertension and survival in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Gastroenterology 2009;136:1639–50.

24. Remaining questions: related to immune supression
• It has recently been shown that pts with ACLF had both marked systemic inflammation
(ie, ↑ plasma cytokines levels) and some features of immune suppression.[1]
• ACLF pts had ↑ frequency of circulating CD14-positive monocytes that overexpressed the
protein MER and exhibited a decreased ex vivo response to LPS.[1] MER receptors are
known to inhibit TLR4 signalling.[2]
• Another study, pts with ACLF had ↑ levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which may inhibit
macrophage cytokine production in response to LPS. In addition, PGE2 was found to ↓
the macrophage ability to kill bacteria.[3]
1. Bernsmeier C, Pop OT, Singanayagam A, et al. Patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure have increased numbers of regulatory immune cells expressing the receptor
tyrosine kinase MERTK. Gastroenterology 2015;148: 603–615.e14.
2. Zagórska A, Través PG, Lew ED, et al. Diversification of TAM receptor tyrosine kinase function. Nat Immunol 2014;15:920–8.
3. O’Brien AJ, Fullerton JN, Massey KA, et al. Immunosuppression in acutely decompensated cirrhosis is mediated by prostaglandin E2. Nat Med 2014;20:518–23.
Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase MER

25. Remaining questions: related to tolerance
• Although excessive systemic inflammation is believed to be the driver for the
development of OFs, other mechanisms may also contribute to this development like
failed disease tolerance (ie, endurance). [1-3]
• There may be differences in disease tolerance among pts with ACLF. Thus, for any given
level of systemic inflammation, pts who had prior episodes of decompensation of liver
disease were less severe than those who did not have prior episodes of
decompensation.[4]
• Pts with a prior history of liver decompensation may have acquired an increased
tolerance capacity that protected them when exposed to new noxious stimuli.
1. Medzhitov R, Schneider DS, Soares MP. Disease tolerance as a defense strategy. Science 2012;335:936–41.
2. Jamieson AM, Pasman L, Yu S, et al. Role of tissue protection in lethal respiratory viral-bacterial coinfection. Science 2013;340:1230–4.
3. Figueiredo N, Chora A, Raquel H, et al. Anthracyclines induce DNA damage response-mediated protection against severe sepsis. Immunity 2013;39: 874–84.
4. Moreau R, Jalan R, Gines P, et al. Acute-on-chronic liver failure is a distinct syndrome that develops in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Gastroenterology 2013;144:1426–37, 1437.e1–9.

26. Other factors may have a role ?
• The severity of infection can also be related to pathogens (Gram-negative infections being
more severe than Gram-positive Figure infections) or to the site of infection (intra-
abdominal sites having the highest risk of death and urinary the lowest).[1]
• Host genetic factor: There are also studies showing that single nucleotide polymorphism
(SNP) is some selected genes involved in the innate immune response were a/with ↑risk
of infection and mortality .
1. Cohen J, Vincent JL, Adhikari NK, et al. Sepsis: a roadmap for future research. Lancet Infect Dis 2015;15:581–614.

27. Summary
Suppressed immunity
Excessive systemic inflammation
A
B
C
Organ failure in ACLF

28. Algorithm for MX of pts with acute decompensation:
Western method
3 month mortality
<2 % 2 – 30 %2 – 30 %

29. EASL-CLIF definition
Basis of the definition Absence of ACLF because 28-day mortality is <5% in pts with:
• No organ failure
• Single organ failure in pts with a serum creatinine level of <1.5 mg/dL and no HE
• Cerebral failure in pts with a serum creatinine level of <1.5 mg/dL
ACLF grade 1 because 28-day mortality is 22% in pts with:
• Single kidney failure
• Single liver, coagulation, circulatory or lung failure that is a/with a serum creatinine level of 1.5–1.9 mg/dL
and/or HE grade 1 or grade 2
• Single brain failure with a serum creatinine level of 1.5–1.9 mg/dL
ACLF grade 2 because 28-day mortality is 32% in pts with:
• Two organs failures
ACLF grade 3 because 28-day mortality is 77% in pts with:
• Three organ failures or more
CANONIC study showed overall 28-day mortality of 33% of all cases of ACLF, and specific 28-day mortality rates
in pts with ACLF-1, 2 and 3 was 22%, 32% and 73%, respectively.[1]
1. Moreau R, Jalan R, Gines P, et al. Acute-on-chronic liver failure is a distinct syndrome that develops in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Gastroenterology 2013;144:1426–37, 1437.e1–9.

30. CLIF-OF score: simplified version of CLIF-SOFA score

31. Algorithm for MX of pts with acute decompensation:
Western method
3 month mortality
<2 % 2 – 30 %2 – 30 % 31

32. 32

33. Algorithm for MX of pts with acute decompensation:
Western method
3 month mortality
<2 % 2 – 30 %2 – 30 % 33

34. Patients with ACLF and high CLIF-C ACLF score (≥ 70)
after 48 hours of intensive care may reach a threshold of
futility for further ongoing intensive support.

35. Algorithm for MX of ACLF
• The specific treatment initiated, but if
the disease severity is more, i.e., AARC
Score ≥ 11 the response is poor with
SMT; hence, early consideration for LT
should be done, whereas other group
needs to be seen for 4–7 days with
specific therapy and SMT.
• The presence of extrahepatic OF needs
to be MX, and optimization and
improvement need to be correlated with
over all recovery, else poor prognoses to
be considered.

36. APASL ACLF research consortium (AARC)
• Grade I, Grade II and Grade III had 28-day mortality of 12.7, 44.5 and 85.9%,
respectively.
• The grades of liver failure showed a potentially recoverable group (Gr. I), a group that
needs special monitoring (Gr. II) and a group that demands immediate interventions
for improved outcome (Gr. III).

37. MANAGEMENT OF ACLF
General management
• Currently, there is no specific effective RX available, and therefore RX is based on organ
support and RX of associated complications.
• Overall, pts should be admitted to the ICU and should be preferably managed in a
transplant centre.
• Organ function should be monitored frequently and early RX provided according to each
specific organ in order to avoid a stage of multiple OF.
• When ACLF is a/with a precipitating factor (ie, BIs, GI bleeding, alcoholism, drug toxicity),
early identification and RX of the precipitating factor are essential.
• However, this may not prevent the development or worsening of the syndrome. In
addition, in up to 40% of pts a PF may not be identified.

38. Sepsis in ACLF: recommendations
• Bacterial infection is present in about 1/3rd of ALCF pts at presentation to a referral
hospital.
• BI is an important factor to predict development of OF in ACLF. The most frequent
infections are SBP, pneumonia, UTI, and Bacteremia.
• The APR, such as C-rP and procalcitonin, have been proven to be reliable biomarkers
a/with infection and are recommended for screening for the presence of BIs.
• As soon as BI is suspected or DX, broad spectrum antimicrobial agents alone or in
combination should be started and thereafter, the therapy should be adjusted according
to the results of the antibiotic sensitivity test results.
• Empirical antibiotic therapy should be based on environment, local bacterial resistance
profiles, severity and type of infection.

39. Sepsis in ACLF: recommendations
• Invasive fungal infection is not uncommon in ACLF pts. Biomarkers such as galactomanan
or B-D glucan can be used for supporting the DX.
• Predictors of poor progression (risk factors) of fungal infections in ACLF are the presence
of diabetes, AKI, ICU admission, and admission with bacterial infection, prolonged
antibiotic (> 5 days pre-admission) and prior hospitalization.
• Biomarkers such as galactomanan or B–D Glucan can be used for supporting DX if there is
invasive fungal infection in ACLF.
• Administration of albumin is recommended in pts with SBP for preventing from type-1
HRS and reducing mortality.
• Prophylaxis with fluconazole followed by echinocandins needs to be evaluated in ACLF
pts.

40. AKI in ACLF
• AKIN criteria should be used for the DX and prognostication of AKI in ACLF pts.
• In the absence of baseline serum creatinine, AKI should be dx based on the cutoff value of serum
creatinine. A cutoff value of 1.1 mg/dl is a reliable marker of significant renal dysfunction and
1.5 mg/dl of kidney failure in pts with ACLF.
• Combating systemic inflammation with anti-inflammatory strategies (for eg IV albumin, N-
Acetylcysteine), bilirubin reduction, avoidance of nephrotoxic drugs, aggressive management of
circulatory failure and maintaining a high MAP may prevent AKI development and progression in
pts with ACLF.
• Terlipressin given as an infusion is superior to noradrenaline in the MX of HRS-AKI in pts with
ACLF, but needs extra precaution and close monitoring for terlipressin-related AE[1].
• Response to vasoconstrictors in AKI in ACLF pts is partial and seen in only in about a third of pts.
There is, therefore, quite often a need for RRT.
Development of new AKI as well as non-resolution or persistence of AKI was a/with almost 50% mortality at 1
month in pts with ACLF [2].
1. Wan ZH, Wang JJ, You SL, Liu HL, Zhu B, Zang H, et al. Cystatin C is a biomarker for predicting acute kidney injury in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. World J Gastroenterol 2013;19(48):9432–9438
2. Maiwall R, Sarin SK, Kumar S, for APASL ACLF Research Consortium (AARC) working party, et al. Development of predisposition, injury, response, organ failure model for predicting acute kidney injury in acute on chronic
liver failure. Liver Int 2017.

41. Managing organ dysfunction/failure & others
41/56
LOREM
IPSUM
Empirical Antibiotics
Albumin in SBP
Fluconazole in high risk/suspected fungal infn
Infections (33 %)
Ascites (91 %)
Avoid PICD with Albumin/ Terlipressin @LVP
Terlipressin, Albumin, RRT
AKI
EVL and NSBB as standard protocol in LC
Varices in ACLF
Well correlation with Ammonia
Lactulose, rifaximin, LOLA
HE (40 %)
ACLF: Hypocoagulation state
Global viscoelastic tests (TEG/Sonoclot/ROTEM)
Coagulation profile

42. Liver transplantation
• A characteristic feature of ACLF is its rapid progression, the requirement for multiple
organ support and a high incidence of short- and medium-term mortality of 50–90%.
The 28-day mortality rate was 15X higher in pts with ACLF compared to other CLD [1-12].
• The baseline MELD > 28, AARC Score > 10, advanced HE in the absence of overt sepsis or
MOF can be considered for early LT [3].
• In the absence of LT option, these pts can be offered early bridge therapies in the form of
therapeutic plasma exchange and liver dialysis and the response could be evaluated by
end of first week [3, 13].
Pts with HBV reactivation should be assessed for early transplant if cirrhosis, bilirubin > 10 mg/dL, PT < 40% and
platelet < 100 × 109/L.
Steroid ineligible pts with SAH should be listed on priority for LT. Selective use of LT can be lifesaving for medically
refractory AH.
References are at the end of the slides
42

43. ACLF Pt characteristics that were reported to be considered unfit for LT:
(1) Sepsis with ≥2 OF or uncontrolled sepsis. [1]
(2) Advanced azotemia, i.e., s creat > 4 mg/dl or ↑ in creatinine by 300% from baseline or the need of RRT. [2]
(3) Respiratory failure [severe ARDS defined by a P/F ratio < 150] or HE requiring ventilator support > 72 h. [3]
(4) 4 or more OF anytime.
(5) Active GIB.
(6) Hemodynamic instability requiring > 3 mg/h noradrenaline [4].
1. Chan AC, Fan ST, Lo CM, Liu CL, Chan SC, Ng KK, et al. Liver transplantation for acute-on-chronic liver failure. Hepatol Int 2009;3(4):571–581
2. Chok KSh, Chan SC, Fung JY, Cheung TT, Chan AC, Fan ST, Lo CM. Survival outcomes of right-lobe living donor transplantation for patients with high model for end stage Liver Disease scores. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis
Int 2013;12(3):256–262
3. Choudhury AK, Sharma M, Mehtab M, Sarin SK, for APASL ACLF Working party, et al. The decision for liver transplant in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF)—first week is the crucial period-analysis of the APASL ACLF
Research Consortium (AARC) prospective data of 1021 patients. J Hepatol 2016;64:S1–S51
4. Gustot T, Fernandez J, Garcia E, for CANONIC Study Investigators of the EASL-CLIF Consortium, et al. Clinical course of acute-on-chronic liver failure syndrome and effects on prognosis. Hepatology 2015;62(1):243–252

44. Artificial liver support in ACLF
1. Kjaergard LL, Liu J, Als-Nielsen B, Gluud C. Artificial and bioartificial support systems for acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure: a
systematic review. JAMA 2003;289(2):217–222
• Extracorporeal liver support therapies are used to
bridge the liver until recovery or LT in pts with ALF
and ACLF. Various RCTs in pts with ACLF have shown
improvement in HE, HRS, circulatory dysfunction
and immune dysfunction without improvement in
TFS.
• However, contrary results were shown by
systematic review by Kjaergard et al. where it was
seen that ALS reduced mortality by 33% in pts with
ACLF as compared to SMT [1].
44

45. Artificial liver support in ACLF
Recently published two large European randomized multicentric controlled trials, i.e., HELIOS (for
Prometheus) [2] and RELIEF trial (for MARS) [1] which failed to show any benefit with these modalities on
short-term transplant-free survival which was the primary end point of these studies.
45References are at the end of the slides

46. Regeneration therapy in ACLF
1. Garg V, Garg H, Khan A, Trehanpati N, Kumar A, Sharma BC, et al. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor mobilizes CD 34 + cells and
improves survival of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. Gastroenterology 2012;142(3):505–512
The foremost reason for no demonstrable survival
benefit with the currently available ALS systems is the
functional incompetence as most of these provide
only the detoxification function of the entire
armamentarium of liver functions and thus
incorporation of synthetic function by living
hepatocytes, i.e., the “bioartificial liver” or therapies
to potentiate hepatic regeneration look more
realistic.
Garg et al. [1] have shown that GCSF can help in
hepatic regeneration by mobilizing bone marrow-
derived CD34 + cells. In addition, it significantly ↓ the
development of sepsis and subsequent MOF.
46

47. Stem cells therapy in ACLF
Shi et al. 2012 [1]
24 Vs 19
After 90 days, 79.2% on the UC-MSC survived
vs 52.5% in the control group. MELD scores
also decreased over time (in both groups) but
more in the UC-MSC (10 vs 15, p=0.04).
UC-MSC transfusions may serve as a novel
therapeutic approach for HBV-associated
ACLF pts.
Singlecenter, open label, prospective , PI/II
UC-MSCs Vs Placebo
471. Shi M, Zhang Z, Xu R, et al. Human mesenchymal stem cell transfusion is safe and improves liver function in acute-on-chronic liver failure patients. Stem Cells Transl Med 2012;1:725–31.
• There is only one stem cells trial in humans. Shi et
al [1] using an open-label controlled trial in HBV-
ACLF to receive umbilical cord-derived
mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) .
Overall, both therapies (G-CSF and stem cells)
showed encouraging results, but the optimism
is limited by the small number of participants.
• MSCs are multipotent cells that have self-renewing abilities and
the potential to differentiate into various types of cells, including
hepatocytes.
• More importantly, these cells can interact with immune cells,
leading to immunomodulation & appear to be effective in
regulating the immune response in settings such as tissue injury.

48. Future perspectives: pathophysiologial-based treatments
• Considering that currently there is no specific RX for the MX of ACLF, research should be
based on potential new RXs addressed to pathophysiological mechanisms leading to the
development of the syndrome.
• Large body of evidence from the last decades suggests that bacterial translocation (BT)
and an excessive systemic inflammation are the key mechanisms leading to the
progression of cirrhosis and the development of ACLF.
• Therapeutic interventions acting on BT (ie, probiotics, norfloxacin, rifaximin) would
probably act in the prevention of the development of ACLF rather than in the MX of the
syndrome itself once it has developed.
• In contrast, therapeutic interventions addressed to mitigate the excessive systemic
inflammation and to restore the immunological response should be investigated as
potential RX options.

49. Conclusions
• In summary, the field of ACLF has moved very rapidly in the past 5 years.
• The need for having a well-defined homogenous population of pts, with well
characterized acute and chronic insult and which would reflect the term acute-on-chronic
liver failure, is at the core.
• Attempts to ameliorate or reverse the ongoing injury would allow return of hepatic
synthetic functions and reversal of the liver damage.
• Early predictors of mortality and non-reversibility of the condition would pave way to
offer priority LT to such pts.
An attempt to converge the thoughts from the East and West is possibly the only way
forward to achieve more scientific and timely interventions for such patients.

50. Differentiating ACLF from acute decompensation
Parameter(s) Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) Acute decompensation (AD)
Presentation Hepatic insult
Index
Hepatic or non-hepatic
Can be index or subsequent
Identifiable precipitant In up-to 95% cases In up to 70% cases
Time from insult to
presentation
Within 4 weeks Up to 12 weeks
Underlying cirrhosis May or may not be present Always present
Prior decompensation No With or without Prior Decompensation
Mortality at 1 and 3 months 33–51% 23–29%
Reversal or recovery In half of cases Uncommon

51. ACLF Vs DLC: diagrammatic representation of the clinical concept
• The red line describes the course of a pt with chronic
decompensation of cirrhosis that during evolution of their liver
disease will at some point develop OF.
• This is usually in a/with advanced liver disease where the only
option for RX is LT and the chances of reversibility are very
limited.
Figure describes the clinical concept of ACLF to
distinguish it from chronic decompensated cirrhosis.
• In pt with ACLF (blue line) who may often have a good liver
reserve and can deteriorate acutely over a short period, usually
in a/ with a precipitating illness that results in OF and high risk
of death.
• By contrast, this pt has a potential for reversibility and recovery
to the state the pt was in, prior to the acute event.
Kamath PS, et al. Acute-on chronic liver failure. Journal of Hepatology 2012 vol. 57 j 1336–1348

52. Artificial liver support in ACLF
1. Bañares, R., Nevens, F., Larsen, F. S., Jalan, R., Albillos, A., … Dollinger, M. (2013). Extracorporeal albumin dialysis with the molecular adsorbent
recirculating system in acute-on-chronic liver failure: The RELIEF trial. Hepatology, 57(3), 1153–1162.
2. Kribben, A., Gerken, G., Haag, S., Herget–Rosenthal, S., Treichel, U., Betz, C., … Rifai, K. (2012). Effects of Fractionated Plasma Separation and Adsorption
on Survival in Patients With Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. Gastroenterology, 142(4), 782–789.e3.

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3. Choudhury A, A Jindal SK, Sarin, for the APASL ACLF Working Party, et al. Liver failure determines the outcome in patients of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF)-comparison of APASL-ACLF Research Consortium
(AARC) and CLIF-SOFA model. Hepatol Int 2017;11(5):461–71
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5. O’Grady JG, Schalm SW, Williams R. Acute liver failure: redefining the syndromes. Lancet 1993;342:273–275
6. Jalan R, Pavesi M, Wendon J, CANONIC Study Investigators; EASLCLIF Consortium, et al. The CLIF Consortium Acute Decompensation score (CLIF-C ADs) for prognosis of hospitalised cirrhotic patients without acute-on-
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