ACUTE LIVER FAILURE
Liver is the second largest organ in the body performing multiple functions. It major role is to process the food we eat & convert it into nutrients for the body to absorb, while filtering out harmful toxins from the blood. Liver failure is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention
Liver Failure may be classified into Acute Liver Failure & Chronic Liver Failure
In Acute liver failure (also known as fulminant hepatic failure) loss of liver function occurs suddenly, sometimes within weeks and may not even have symptoms in most cases. Chronic liver failure develops rather slowly, taking months or years before showing symptoms.
What are its symptoms?
Jaundice is the most common symptom of Acute Liver Failure. Some other signs & symptoms include:
- Jaundice
- Pain in the top right part of the abdomen
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
What are the causes?
Rapid liver failure that occurs in acute liver failure may be caused by:
- Overdose of Acetaminophen
- Certain allopathic or herbal Medications
- Hepatitis A, B & E or herpes simplex virus
- Consumption of certain wild mushrooms
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Septic Shock
- Wilson’s Disease
- Acute Fatty Liver during pregnancy
- Exposure to toxins
What are the complications?
Acute Liver failure can lead to:
- Excessive fluid build up in the brain also known as cerebral edema
- Bleeding in gastrointestinal tract, which may be difficult to control
- Infections in respiratory tract, urinary tract or in the blood
- Kidney failure is common in patients who have liver failure
How is it diagnosed?
- Blood tests to determine how well the liver is functioning. A prothrombin test to measure the time it takes for blood to clot. In patients with acute liver disease, blood clots take longer than usual
- Imaging tests such as Ultrasound can help determine the cause & extent of liver damage. Other tests such as CT Scan or MRI may also be recommended in cases where the doctor suspects a problem in the liver, but ultrasound reports are negative.
- Liver Biopsy can help your gastroenterologist understand the cause of liver failure. As Acute liver damage patients are susceptible to bleeding during biopsy, a trans-jugular liver biopsy may be recommended.
How is it treated?
Treatment for acute liver failure involved hospitalisation. Patient may need to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where the doctor would treat liver damage while managing symptoms & complications.
Treatment methods include:
- In cases where the cause of acute liver failure is overdose of acetaminophen, certain medications may be recommended to reverse the poisoning. Mushroom & certain other causes may also be treated with medications that can reverse their toxic effects
- In cases where acute liver failure cannot be reversed, the only way out would be a liver transplant, which involved removal of the damaged liver & replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor.
How is it prevented?
Certain simple measures to take care of the liver can help cut down the risk of acute liver failure drastically.
- Take medications only as prescribed by the doctor
- Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis
- Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes
- Consume alcohol in moderation
- Keep away from wild mushrooms
- Maintain a healthy body weight
FAQs
Acute liver failure is a sudden loss of liver function that develops within days or weeks. It is a medical emergency that can affect brain function and overall body systems. Immediate medical care is critical.
Early symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. As the condition progresses, confusion or drowsiness can occur. These signs require urgent medical evaluation.
You should consult a gastroenterologist in Hyderabad immediately if you notice jaundice, severe vomiting, or sudden confusion. Acute liver conditions progress quickly and need timely diagnosis and treatment.
Common causes include viral infections, medication overdose (such as excess paracetamol), and toxin exposure. In some cases, the exact cause may not be immediately identified and requires detailed evaluation.
Diagnosis involves blood tests, imaging, and monitoring liver function. Treatment focuses on stabilizing the patient, managing complications, and addressing the underlying cause. Severe cases may require advanced care.
Prevention includes safe use of medications, avoiding alcohol misuse, and timely treatment of liver infections. Regular health check-ups help identify liver issues early and reduce risk.
