Acute liver failure is treated as soon as possible because problems (such as bleeding) can develop and worsen quickly. People with acute liver failure are treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) if possible. Treatment may include
- For low blood pressure: Fluids given intravenously and drugs to increase low blood pressure
- For hepatic encephalopathy: Possibly treatments, such as lactulose (a laxative), enemas, and antibiotics
- For infections: Antibiotics or antifungal drugs
- For low blood sugar: Glucose (a sugar) given intravenously
- For bleeding: Transfusions of fresh frozen plasma (the fluid part of the blood, which contains proteins that help blood clot, called blood clotting factors) and, when necessary, whole blood
- For breathing difficulty: mechanical ventilation