ObjectiveTo retrospective analysis the research progress of the acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and provide some useful advice for the early diagnosis, evaluation, and treatments of ACLF. MethodsThe literatures on ACLF which published in domestic and overseas for these years were reviewed. ResultsACLF, which is an acute deterioration of liver function results from precipitating events in patients with chronic liver disease. As an independent clinical entity and different from acute liver failure (ALF), sub-acute liver failure (SALF), and chronic liver failure (CLF). For the high short-term mortality and seldom good treatment measures, attached much people's attention. ConclusionThe research of ACLF makes great advance but still exits different in some field between the East and the West. Search dangerous etiology earlier, combine with reality and early effective treatments can develop total survival rate of ACLF.