Encephalopathy developing within 8 weeks of the onset of jaundice in a patient without preceding liver disease
Late onset hepatic failure is defined as encephalopathy developing between 8 and 24 weeks from the onset of jaundice in a patient without preceding liver disease. After 24 weeks patients are considered to have chronic liver disease
Hyperacute liver failure: encephalopathy within 7 days of onset of jaundice
Acute liver failure: encephalopathy 8 to 28 days from onset of jaundice
Subacute liver failure: encephalopathy 4 to 12 weeks from the onset of jaundice