Liver failure

Liver failure It’s the inability of the liver to perform its normal synthetic and metabolic function as part of normal physiology. Liver failure is a life-threatening condition that demands urgent medical care. Most often liver failure occurs gradually and over many years. However, a more rare condition known as acute liver failure occurs rapidly (in as little as 48 hours) and can be difficult to detect initially.

Acute Liver Failure Development of hepatic encephalopathy (confusion, stupor and coma) and decreased production of proteins (such as albumin and blood clotting proteins) within four weeks of the first symptoms (such as jaundice) of a liver problem. "Hyperacute" liver failure is said to be present if this interval is 7 days or less. "subacute" liver failure is said to be present if the interval is 5-12 weeks.

Chronic liver failure Usually occurs in the context of cirrhosis, itself potentially the result of many possible causes, such as excessive alcohol intake, hepatitis B or C, autoimmune, hereditary and metabolic causes (such as iron or copper overload or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).

Hepatic Encephalopathy A syndrome observed in some patients with cirrhosis that’s marked by personality changes, intellectual impairment, and a depressed level of consciousness

What causes liver failure? The most common causes of liver failure are: Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Long term, excessive alcohol consumption Cirrhosis Hemochromatosis Malnutrition

The causes of acute liver failure, however, are often different The causes of acute liver failure, however, are often different. These include: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose - this is one of the most common causes of acute liver failure Viruses including hepatitis A, B, and C (especially in children) Reactions to certain prescription medications Ingestion of poisonous wild mushrooms

Symptoms The initial symptoms of liver failure are often ones that can be due to any number or conditions. Because of this, liver failure may initially difficult to diagnose. Among these early symptoms are: Nausea Loss of appetite Fatigue Diarrhea

However, as liver failure progresses, the symptoms become more serious, indicating that urgent treatment is required. These symptoms include: Jaundice Bleeding easily Swollen abdomen Mental disorientation or confusion (known as hepatic encephalopathy) Sleepiness Coma

How is liver failure treated? If detected early enough, acute liver failure caused by an overdose of acetaminophen can sometimes be treated and its effects reversed. Likewise, if a virus causes liver failure, supportive care can be given at a hospital to treat the symptoms until the virus runs its course. In these cases, the liver can then sometimes recover on its own. For liver failure that is the result of long-term deterioration, the initial focus may be on saving whatever part of the liver is still functioning. If this is not possible, the only way to save a patient’s life is for him or her to receive a transplant. Fortunately, liver transplants are a common procedure that is often successful. Approximately 75 % of patients who receive a liver transplant survive more than 10 years.