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Liver Failure

About Liver Failure

Liver failure occurs when the liver is unable to function due to irreversible damage. This damage can take place in all or part of the liver and may occur gradually or suddenly, depending on the cause of the damage.

Liver failure is typically the result of damage sustained over the course of many years through alcohol consumption, environmental toxins, or viruses such as hepatitis.

Acute liver failure is defined as sudden, irreversible damage to the liver that occurs quickly, typically within a 48-hour timeframe.

Why it is Problematic

Liver failure- and, especially acute liver failure- is a serious condition. Acute liver failure should always be regarded as a medical emergency. Some causes of acute liver failure can be reversed if diagnosed quickly. Often, a liver transplant is necessary for survival when liver failure or acute liver failure occurs. Liver failure can also cause fluid buildup in the brain (cerebral edema), bleeding disorders, infection, and kidney failure.

Causes and Risk Factors

The most common causes of liver failure are chronic alcohol use, hepatitis B, hepatitis C,cirrhosis, malnutrition, and some genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis.

The most common causes of acute liver failure are acetaminophen overdose, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, prescription or herbal medication overdose, cancer, some autoimmune diseases, and the ingestion of toxic wild mushrooms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of liver failure are often initially generalized and vague and do not directly imply a liver problem. These symptoms include:

Nausea
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Diarrhea

Symptoms indicative of progressed stages of liver failure that are more serious include:

Jaundice
Bleeding
Swollen abdomen
Hepatic encephalopathy
Severe fatigue
Coma

Symptoms of acute liver failure occur suddenly in an otherwise healthy individual. These symptoms include:

Nausea
Vomiting
General unwell feeling
Difficulty concentrating
Disorientation
Fatigue

If two or more of these symptoms occur in an otherwise healthy individual, please seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis

Doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose liver failure. These tests include:

Blood tests, including liver function tests and a prothrombin time (blood clotting time) test, as liver failure results in blood clotting less quickly than it should.

Diagnostic Imaging, such as ultrasound, CT Scan, and/or MRI

Liver biopsy, as acute liver failure may put patients at risk for bleeding. A transvenous biopsy may be performed. This biopsy entails the insertion of a small tube through a small incision in the neck.

Treatment and Prevention

If caught early, liver failure is treatable. Treating liver failure may also be possible if the damage has been caused by a medication overdose or virus. If liver failure has been caused by a chronic condition, doctors may focus on trying to save any part of the liver that is still functioning. If no part of the liver is recoverable, a liver transplant will be required.

To prevent liver failure, it is essential to prevent liver damage. Liver damage can be avoided by:

Avoiding alcohol
Taking medicine and herbal supplements only as directed
Maintaining a nutritious diet
Vaccinating for hepatitis A and hepatitis B
Practicing good hygiene
Avoiding blood and times with blood on them
Never sharing toiletry items such as razors or toothbrushes
Avoiding tattoo or piercing in an unsanitary environment
Having only protected sex
Avoiding drugs and, not sharing needles
Not eating wild mushrooms
Using caution, including proper ventilation, when handling aerosol sprays
Using caution with chemicals, paint, insecticides, and fungicides

Incidence

Individuals with liver failure account for about 5-6% of all liver transplantations in the U.S.

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