Indian Review Stresses Prevention Strategies, Early Referral, and Timely Liver Transplantation in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure
India: The rising incidence of Pediatric Acute Liver Failure (PALF) is a growing concern in India, with experts stressing the need for early detection, prevention, and timely referral to specialized centers. A recent review article, authored by Dr. Smita Malhotra from the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, provides an in-depth overview of the condition, its causes, and approaches to management.
Acute liver failure in children is a medical emergency with rapid progression, often transforming a healthy child into a critically ill patient within hours or days. “Acute liver failure is a catastrophic condition. A child who is perfectly fine can deteriorate dramatically in a very short time, making timely intervention vital,” stated Dr. Smita in her conversation with Medical Dialogues.
The review, published online in Apollo Medicine, highlights that in India, infections remain the predominant cause of PALF, with Hepatitis A virus (HAV) being the most common etiology. Unlike Western countries, where paracetamol toxicity is a leading cause, infections account for the majority of pediatric cases in developing nations. Dr. Smita emphasized that Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease, yet the vaccine is not part of the government’s universal immunization program. “We often see children progressing to liver failure simply because they were not vaccinated against Hepatitis A. Promoting this vaccination and creating awareness are critical to preventing such cases,” she noted.
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