All you need to know about Acute Liver Failure

The liver is the second largest organ in the body performing multiple functions. Its primary function is to digest the food we consume and transform it into nutrients that the body can absorb, while also filtering harmful toxins from the blood. Liver failure is a serious medical condition that needs immediate medical attention.

Acute and chronic liver failure are the two types of liver failure.

Acute liver failure (also known as fulminant hepatic failure) is characterized by the sudden loss of liver function, often within weeks, and may be accompanied by no symptoms in the majority of cases. Chronic liver failure occurs slowly, requiring months or years to manifest symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The most prevalent sign of Acute Liver Failure is jaundice. Other indications and symptoms include:

  • Jaundice
  • Pain in the top right part of the abdomen
  • Swelling
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Disorientation
  • Drowsiness
If you are facing any of these symptoms, do consult Dr. Vedant Karvir one of the best Gastroenterologist in Mumbai.

What are the causes?

Rapid liver failure in acute liver failure might be caused by:

  • Overdose of Acetaminophen
  • Certain allopathic or natural drugs
  • Hepatitis A, B, and E, as well as the herpes simplex virus
  • Autoimmune Hepatitis
  • Septic Shock
  • Wilson's Disease
  • Pregnancy and Acute Fatty Liver
  • Toxins exposure

What are the complications?

Acute liver failure may result in:

  • Excessive fluid buildup in the brain is referred to as cerebral edema.
  • gastrointestinal bleeding that may be difficult to manage
  • Infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, or blood
  • Kidney failure is prevalent in persons suffering from liver failure.

How is it diagnosed?

Blood tests are used to examine how well the liver is functioning. A prothrombin test is used to determine how long it takes for blood to clot. In patients with acute liver disease, blood clots take longer than usual.

Ultrasound imaging examinations may assist assess the origin and amount of liver disease. Other tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI, may be recommended if the doctor suspects a liver disease but ultrasound results are negative.

Your gastroenterologist may use a liver biopsy to determine the cause of liver failure. Because individuals with acute liver injury are more likely to bleed during a biopsy, a trans-jugular liver biopsy may be advised.

How is it treated?

Hospitalization was required for acute liver failure treatment. The patient may need admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where the doctor will treat liver damage while also managing symptoms and complications.

In cases where the cause of acute liver failure is an overdose of acetaminophen, certain medications may be recommended to reverse the poisoning. 

If acute liver failure cannot be reversed, the only option is a liver transplant, which entails removing the damaged liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor.

How is it prevented?

  • Take drugs only as directed by your doctor.
  • Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis
  • Avoid sharing razors 
  • Keep a healthy body weight
  • Stop smoking and alcohol intake

If you suspect there is anything wrong with your liver, seek medical advice immediately. Visit Globus Gastroenterology Hospital the Best Gastroenterology hospital in Mumbai for the best treatment. 

You may also read Anal Abscess and Fistula.

Thanks for reading!

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