What You Need to Know

Liver diseases are becoming more common today, and among the serious conditions is ACLF – Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure. Although it sounds complicated, understanding ACLF can help patients and families recognize the warning signs early and seek proper treatment in time. At Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, Dr. Tushar Madhav Madke, a leading hepatologist and transplant expert, is dedicated to helping people understand, manage, and treat this serious liver condition with the latest medical care.

What is ACLF – Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure?

ACLF is a condition that happens when a person with chronic liver disease suddenly experiences severe liver failure. Chronic liver disease may be due to fatty liver, hepatitis, alcohol use, or other long-term liver problems. When an additional factor like infection, alcohol intake, or sudden liver stress comes into play, it can cause rapid liver damage.

This sudden worsening leads to liver failure, which affects other organs like the kidneys, brain, and lungs. Without timely care, ACLF can be life-threatening.

How is ACLF Different from Chronic Liver Disease?

Chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis or fatty liver, develops slowly over time. Many people with it feel normal or have mild symptoms for years. But ACLF is a sudden crisis. It develops quickly and requires urgent medical care.

In ACLF, the liver stops working properly, and toxins build up in the blood, causing problems like confusion, swelling, and kidney failure. It’s important to act fast because early treatment can save lives.

What Causes ACLF?

ACLF usually occurs in people who already have liver problems. Common triggers include:

• Infections – Bacterial or viral infections can worsen liver health.
• Excess alcohol intake – Even in small amounts, alcohol can push a weak liver into failure.
• Hepatitis flare-ups – Conditions like hepatitis B or C can damage the liver suddenly.
• Poor nutrition or dehydration – Lack of proper food and fluids weakens the body’s defenses.
• Medication side effects – Some medicines may stress the liver in those already at risk.
• Surgery or physical stress – Operations or major injuries can trigger liver failure.

Dr. Madke explains that ACLF is often preventable if chronic liver disease is properly monitored and managed.

What are the Symptoms of ACLF?

Because ACLF develops quickly, symptoms may appear over a few days or weeks. Common warning signs include:

• Severe weakness and fatigue
• Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or face
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Confusion, forgetfulness, or drowsiness
• Vomiting or loss of appetite
• Bleeding or bruising easily
• Low blood pressure and breathing difficulties

If these symptoms appear in someone with known liver disease, immediate medical care is necessary.

How is ACLF Diagnosed?

Doctors like Dr. Tushar Madke use a combination of tests to diagnose ACLF:

• Blood tests – To check liver enzymes, bilirubin, and kidney function.
• Ultrasound or CT scans – To look at the liver’s structure and blood flow.
• Endoscopy – To check for bleeding in the stomach or esophagus.
• Liver biopsy – In some cases, a small tissue sample helps in confirming the diagnosis.

Early diagnosis ensures the patient receives the right treatment before complications worsen.

How is ACLF Treated?

Treatment focuses on stabilizing the patient, supporting the liver, and addressing the causes of failure. Common steps include:

1. Hospital Care
   ACLF patients need to be treated in hospitals with specialized liver and critical care facilities. At Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, Dr. Madke and his team offer expert monitoring, intensive care, and advanced treatments.
2. Supportive Therapy
   Fluids, nutrition, antibiotics, and medications are used to support liver function and treat infections.
3. Managing Organ Failure
   Kidney problems, brain confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), and other complications are treated with specialized care.
4. Liver Transplantation
   In severe cases, where the liver cannot recover, a liver transplant may be the best option. Dr. Madke’s expertise in transplant hepatology ensures that patients are evaluated and supported through every step of this process.

How Can You Prevent ACLF?

Preventing ACLF is possible with proper care and lifestyle choices:

• Regular liver check-ups if you have liver disease
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Follow a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated and take medications as prescribed
• Manage diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure
• Seek medical advice if infections or complications arise

Expert Care You Can Trust

At Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, Dr. Tushar Madhav Madke brings years of experience in liver disease management and transplant care. He has completed advanced training from ILBS, New Delhi, and worked in transplant hepatology at Dr. Rela Institute, Chennai. With over 5 years of hands-on experience, Dr. Madke has treated complex liver cases, performed life-saving procedures, and guided countless patients and families through liver health challenges.

He is also a respected researcher and educator, helping raise awareness about liver diseases like MASLD across Central India. His compassionate approach ensures that every patient receives care tailored to their unique needs.

Final Thoughts

ACLF is a serious but manageable condition when recognized early and treated by experts. If you or your loved one has chronic liver disease and shows signs of sudden liver failure, don’t wait—reach out to a hepatologist immediately.

Dr. Tushar Madke at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune is here to guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with advanced care, compassion, and expertise. Protect your liver today and ensure a healthier tomorrow.

📞 Book your consultation now and take the first step towards better liver health.