Acute hepatitis C
ICD-10 B17.1 · ICD-11 1E50.2

Acute Hepatitis C with Acute Liver Failure: INR >1.5 or Hepatic Encephalopathy

When acute hepatitis C is accompanied by coagulopathy (INR >1.5) or overt signs of acute liver failure — such as hepatic encephalopathy — the clinical picture demands immediate escalation beyond standard outpatient HCV management.

Critical Situation

This protocol applies to patients with acute hepatitis C who present with an INR >1.5 or who exhibit any signs of acute liver failure, including hepatic encephalopathy. Either finding marks a threshold that fundamentally changes the urgency and setting of care.

Management Approach

Immediate referral to a specialist centre is the central action in this scenario. Decisions about HCV antiviral therapy in the setting of acute liver failure require involvement of a clinician with specific HCV treatment experience — the complete structured protocol is accessible below.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

  1. Patients with an INR >1.5 and those who exhibit any signs of acute liver failure (eg, hepatic encephalopathy) should be referred to a liver transplant center immediately.
  2. Use of HCV antiviral regimens in acute liver failure should be managed by a clinician experienced in HCV treatment, ideally in consultation with a liver transplant specialist.
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