Currently,hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF) and chronic liver failure(CLF) are the main clinical types of liver failure.This disease has complex,changeable,and accompanying syndromes,so the treatment is very difficult.In recent years,some progress has been made in the etiology and pathogenesis of liver failure,associated traditional Chinese medicine syndromes,and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy.Consensus has gradually been reached on the etiology and pathogenesis of liver failure,which can be summarized as " dampness,heat,toxin,stasis,and deficiency".Evidence-based medicine is emphasized in the clinical study,which should be conducted in combination with Chinese conditions.Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy for individualized intervention can effectively control complications,reduce the mortality of patients with liver failure,relive the clinical symptoms,and improve their quality of life.The preliminary mechanism has been revealed in regulating immunity and effectively controlling endotoxemia.