Acute liver failure
Acute Liver Failure[edit | edit source]
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.
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