Published in HEPATOLOGY, this international consensus aims to improve diagnosis, patient care and clinical research worldwide.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Oct. 30 – The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), in collaboration with four leading international liver societies, developed a unified global framework for defining and managing acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), a life-threatening condition associated with organ failure and high short-term mortality.
Developed jointly by AASLD, European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL), Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver (ALEH), and Society on Liver Disease in Africa (SOLDA), the consensus establishes a common approach to diagnosing ACLF, assessing disease severity, guiding critical care and liver transplantation, and advancing international clinical trials.
Published in AASLD's flagship journal, HEPATOLOGY, the consensus, Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Global Multi-Society Consensus on Definitions, addresses longstanding differences in how ACLF is diagnosed, classified, and studied worldwide.
The initiative was co-chaired by AASLD member Jasmohan S. Bajaj, MD, MS, FAASLD, and AASLD President-Elect Michael R. Lucey, MD, FAASLD.
"This global collaboration represents an important step toward improving care for patients with ACLF," said Jasmohan S. Bajaj, MD, MS, FAASLD. "By establishing a shared framework, we can strengthen clinical decision-making, accelerate research and advance the development of effective treatments worldwide."
The consensus also outlines recommendations for clinical trial design and meaningful outcome measures, informed by discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These efforts aim to improve consistency across international studies and support the evaluation of emerging therapies.
“The next chapter in liver disease research will depend on our ability to work across borders, share knowledge, and turn scientific discoveries into meaningful advances in patient care,” said Michael R. Lucey, MD, FAASLD, AASLD President-Elect. “As I prepare to lead AASLD, I see tremendous opportunity to build on collaborations like this one, strengthen our global partnerships, and accelerate progress toward more effective treatments for patients with liver disease.”
The publication reflects AASLD's continued commitment to advancing evidence-based liver care and fostering global collaboration to improve patient outcomes.
Read the Full Consensus in HEPATOLOGY.
Attendees of The Liver Meeting® 2026 can learn more about this global initiative during the session, Results of Multi-Society ACLF Harmonization, on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 2–3:30 p.m. MDT.
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About AASLD
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) is the leading organization of scientists and health care professionals committed to preventing and curing liver disease. AASLD fosters research that leads to improved treatment options for millions of liver disease patients and advances the science and practice of hepatology through educational conferences, training programs, professional publications, and partnerships with government agencies and sister societies.
About HEPATOLOGY
The premier publication in the field of liver disease, HEPATOLOGY publishes original, peer-reviewed articles concerning all aspects of liver structure, function, and disease. Each month, the distinguished Editorial Board monitors and selects only the best articles on subjects such as immunology, chronic hepatitis, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, genetic and metabolic liver diseases and their complications, liver cancer, and drug metabolism. Follow the journal on X at @HEP_Journal.
About The Liver Meeting®
TLM is the premier global event in hepatology, bringing together the researchers, clinicians, advanced practice providers, specialists, and leaders shaping the future of liver care. Through cutting-edge science, practical education, and meaningful collaboration, attendees gain the knowledge and tools needed to address today's most pressing challenges in hepatology. With expert-led sessions, innovative exhibits, and unmatched networking opportunities, TLM empowers professionals across every career stage to advance patient care and research to elevate the standard of liver health worldwide. Learn more about TLM26 at www.aasld.org/tlm-26.