* Severe liver dysfunction with hepatic encephalopathy
* No previous liver disease and development of hepatic encephalopathy within 8 weeks of illness → Sudden onset
* Causes: viral hepatitis (75% of cases), chemical toxicity (drugs, mushrooms, industrial poisons)
* Can lead to: cerebral edema, bleeding, renal failure, cardiovascular abnormalities, pulmonary complications, acid-base balance disturbances, electrolyte disturbances, sepsis and pancreatitis