[The role of liver transplantation in the treatment of acute liver failure following Amanita phalloides poisoning].

OBJECTIVE: To formulate the indications for liver transplantation in the treatment of acute liver failure after Amanita phalloides poisoning and to determine the results of this treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 1994 twelve patients with acute Amanita phalloides poisoning were treated in the intensive care unit of our hospital's toxicology department. Three of them developed irreversible signs of poisoning and were given orthotopic liver transplants. The findings and course of this group of patients were analysed retrospectively and prognostic criteria defined on the basis of this personal experience and published data.

RESULTS: Amanita phalloides poisoning differs from other causes of acute liver failure in several respects. The following criteria make it possible reliably to distinguish a lethal from a non-lethal course: a Quick value < 20% over the course of several days, serum creatinine concentration > 1.4 mg%, even after correcting water and electrolyte abnormalities, serum bilirubin > 4.6 mg%, and progressive encephalopathy indicate a lethal course. Two of three patients survived severe poisoning by being given a liver transplant. Renal failure, pancreatitis and bone marrow suppression, in addition to liver failure, were signs relevant to treatment decisions.

CONCLUSION: Liver transplantation is the procedure of choice in the treatment of acute Amanita phalloides poisoning, if the criteria for a probably lethal course under conservative treatment have been met. This should be taken into account when poisoned patients are to be transferred to a centre for treatment.