Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure is defined as a sudden loss of liver function—in days or weeks—in a person who does not have previous liver disease. It is most commonly caused by the hepatitis virus or medications such as acetaminophen. Acute liver failure is less prevalent than chronic liver failure, which progresses slowly. Acute liver failure, also known as fulminant hepatic failure, can lead to severe complications such as hemorrhage and elevated cerebral pressure. It's a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. Depending on the reason, acute liver failure can occasionally be restored with treatment. In many cases, however, a liver transplant may be the only solution.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute liver failure could include:

• Jaundice is defined as the yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Pain in the upper right belly area, known as the abdomen.
• A swollen belly is known as ascites.
• Symptoms include nausea and vomiting.
• Malaise is a general feeling of unwellness.
• Feeling disoriented or confused.
• Sleepiness.
• Breathe in a musty or sweet odor.
• Tremors.

Causes

Acute liver failure occurs when liver cells are severely damaged and unable to function. Potential causes include:

• Acetaminophen overdose.
• Hepatitis and other viruses.
• Prescription medicines.
• Herbal supplements.
• Toxins.
• Autoimmune disease.
• Diseases of the veins in the liver.
• Metabolic disease.
• Cancer.
• Shock.
• Heat stroke.

Diagnosis

Acute liver failure is diagnosed by blood testing, imaging investigations, and liver tissue examination. People with acute liver failure are at danger of bleeding during biopsy, hence a transjugular liver biopsy may be performed. This treatment involves making a small incision on the right side of the neck. A narrow tube known as a catheter is then placed into a neck vein, passing through the heart and exiting the liver. A needle is then put into the catheter to collect a sample of liver tissue.

Treatment

People suffering from acute liver failure are frequently treated at a hospital's intensive care unit, which is equipped to perform liver transplants if necessary. A healthcare provider may attempt to treat the liver injury itself, but in many situations, treatment is managing consequences and allowing the liver to heal. Acute liver failure therapies could include:

• Medicines to reverse poisoning. Acetaminophen overdose causes acute liver failure, which is treated with acetylcysteine. This medication may also help treat other types of acute liver failure. Mushrooms and other poisonings can be treated with medications that reverse the toxin's effects and prevent liver damage.
• Liver transplant. When acute liver failure cannot be reversed, the only option may be a liver transplant. A liver transplant involves removing the diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor.

A healthcare practitioner will also seek to treat symptoms and prevent complications associated with acute liver failure. Care may include:

• Relieving pressure caused by excess fluid in the brain. Cerebral edema caused by acute liver failure can increase pressure on the brain. Medicines can help reduce the fluid buildup in your brain.
• Screening for infections. Your medical team may take samples of your blood and urine every now and then to be tested for infection. If your team suspects that you have an infection, you'll receive medicines to treat the infection.
• Preventing severe bleeding. Your care team can give you medicines to reduce the risk of bleeding. If you lose a lot of blood, tests may be done to find the source of the blood loss. Blood transfusions may be needed.
• Providing nutritional support. If you're not able to eat, you may need supplements to treat nutritional deficiencies.

Prevention

Taking care of your liver lowers your risk of acute liver failure.

• Follow the instructions for your medications.
• All of your medications should be disclosed to your healthcare team.
• If you drink alcohol at all, do so in moderation.
• Avoid risky behaviors.
• Get your vaccinations.
• Avoid coming into contact with other people's blood and bodily fluids.
• Do not consume wild mushrooms.
• Take care when using aerosol sprays.
• Watch what gets on your skin.
• Maintain a healthy bodyweight.

Conclusion

Acute liver failure is a medical emergency that demands prompt attention and extensive treatment. Early detection of symptoms, prompt intervention, and supportive care are critical for improving survival rates. Individuals can safeguard their liver health by taking preventative actions and being aware of the risk factors. Advances in medical care, such as liver transplantation, provide hope for people with severe liver failure, highlighting the necessity of early detection and specialist treatment.