On May 18, our hospital admitted Mr. Qi, a patient in his 50s from Taizhou, who was diagnosed with gastric malignancy two months ago. During chemotherapy at a local facility, he developed symptoms including yellowing of the eyes, severe abdominal distension, loss of appetite, fatigue, dark urine, and massive ascites.

      Upon admission, Dr. Xia Bang'en (License No.: 541330283000002) evaluated the patient. Based on his medical history and laboratory results (liver function tests showing total bilirubin at 572.7 units, see Figure 3; prothrombin time at 21.1 seconds, see Figure 4), he was diagnosed with acute liver failure secondary to gastric malignancy. TCM syndrome differentiation-based treatment was immediately initiated.

Knowledge Brief: What Is Acute Liver Failure?

      Acute liver failure occurs when the liver suffers sudden, severe damage within a short period (days to weeks), losing its core functions of detoxification, synthesis, and metabolism. It is a life-threatening critical emergency with an extremely high short-term mortality rate, also known as fulminant hepatic failure.

      Integrating modern clinical data with TCM syndrome differentiation principles, Dr. Xia identified the pattern as internal accumulation of damp-toxin combined with liver stagnation and heat binding. An individualized oral herbal decoction regimen centered on the Smilax Glabra Compound was prescribed. The patient began TCM intervention last evening, and we will continue to closely monitor his condition.

      Important Reminder: TCM emphasizes individualized treatment based on syndrome differentiation. As constitution and disease presentation vary, treatment plans and outcomes differ from person to person. This article is a factual record of clinical management intended solely for TCM health education and reference. It does not represent any guarantee of therapeutic efficacy nor constitute medical advice. Both advanced malignant tumors and acute liver failure are critical conditions; self-medication is strictly prohibited. If you have related health concerns, please seek care at accredited medical institutions and follow standardized, syndrome-differentiated treatment under the guidance of qualified physicians.

      Medical Institution Practice License No. of Ningbo Fenghua Xiabang TCM Hospital: MA2J5BU1433028315A2102

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Honors of the Xiabang Medical Team

① Successfully passed acceptance verification for the Major TCM Research Project of Zhejiang Province: "Study on the Efficacy and Mechanism of Smilax Glabra Compound in Liver Failure."

② Clinical research on TCM treatment of acute-on-chronic (subacute) liver failure has been included in the Vanguard Plan for Major Technological Breakthroughs of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology.

③A clinical protocol for TCM-dominant treatment of malignant lymphoma has been incorporated into the Clinical Research Plan of Zhejiang Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

④ Collaborated with the Academy of TCM Sciences at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University to jointly establish the Research Center for TCM Diagnosis and Treatment of Difficult Diseases.

⑤ With strong support from a group of top domestic scientists in the field of TCM, the Ningbo Xiabang TCM Industry Development Guidance Committee was established.