Which of the following statements about fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is/are correct?

B. Coagulopathy and coma are important findings in patients with FHF.

D. The main cause of death in these patients is cerebral edema.

E. One of the most important factors in prognosis of FHF is the cause of liver disease.

DISCUSSION: FHF corresponds to the rapid loss of hepatic function in the absence of pre-existing liver disease, causing jaundice, coagulopathy, and coma. One of the major prognostic factors is the cause of the liver disease. Early admission to an intensive care unit and management by physicians experienced in liver transplantation are mandatory. The major cause of death in these patients is cerebral edema. In patients who rapidly develop coma, subdural intracerebral pressure monitoring is mandatory for optimal management as well as for identification of patients who can benefit from liver transplantation. The survival rate for patients with FHF who underwent liver transplantation is currently above 65%. This is the only cure in most patients with FHF.