The Disease
Acute Liver Failure is a devastating disease in which a sudden development of massive liver injury results in a life threatening situation.  Causes include viral hepatitis, medications, and in 20% of cases, no explanation can be identified.  The development of changes in mental state, from confusion to coma, signals the development of liver failure, which typically results in brain swelling.  In fact, brain swelling is the main cause of death in Acute Liver Failure.

The Research Program
The research program has taken four major directions:

• Understanding mechanisms responsible for the development of brain swelling and how to effectively treat swelling.

• Development of an artificial liver support device and dialysis procedure.

• A study of novel approaches to improve liver regeneration.

• U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group, a consortium of 24 adult and 25 pediatric institutions across the country investigating the cause and treatment of Acute Liver Failure.  In February 2004, The Stephen B. Tips Memorial Fund made possible an international conference entitled, "Hypothermia in Acute Liver Failure.  Organization of a Clinical Trial."

• Treated eight children afflicted with Acute Liver Failure through a new liver cell transplant procedure.

• Funded the first national study group to determine causes of Acute Liver Failure.

• Contributed to more than 16 scientific publications on ALF in the past four years.

• Helped obtain federal funding for research in Acute Liver Failure.

Following are some suggested donation levels to give you an understanding of what your contribution will help fund.