Acute liver failure

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Acute Liver Failure[edit | edit source]

A medical illustration of acute liver failure.

Acute liver failure is a severe medical condition marked by rapid deterioration of liver function, leading to encephalopathy and coagulopathy. It often results from extensive damage to the liver parenchyma.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Acute liver failure (ALF) refers to the rapid loss of liver function in an individual without pre-existing liver disease. This critical condition is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Acetaminophen Overdose[edit | edit source]

One of the most common causes of ALF in many regions is an overdose of acetaminophen, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer.

Viral Infections[edit | edit source]

Various viral infections can also lead to ALF. Prominent among these are hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Damage to the liver parenchyma, the functional tissue of the liver, leads to a rapid decline in liver function. This can result in:

Encephalopathy[edit | edit source]

Hepatic encephalopathy is a decline in brain function due to the liver's inability to remove toxins from the blood.

Coagulopathy[edit | edit source]

Coagulopathy, or impaired blood clotting, is another significant consequence of ALF due to the liver's reduced ability to produce clotting factors.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosing ALF involves a combination of clinical evaluation, liver function tests, imaging studies, and sometimes liver biopsy.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment of ALF aims to manage symptoms and address the underlying cause. In severe cases, liver transplantation may be necessary.

Acute liver failure Resources

Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen