Liver Failure 

🩸 Liver Failure

Liver failure occurs when the liver loses its ability to function properly. It can be acute (rapid onset) or chronic (develops over time).

🧬 Causes:

• Acute liver failure:
  • Drug overdose (e.g., acetaminophen)
  • Viral hepatitis (especially hepatitis B and E)
  • Toxins or poisonous mushrooms
  • Severe infections or autoimmune liver diseases
• Chronic liver failure (cirrhosis):
  • Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
  • Long-term alcohol abuse
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Genetic conditions (e.g., hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease)

🩺 Symptoms:

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Abdominal swelling (ascites)
• Confusion or difficulty thinking (hepatic encephalopathy)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Dark urine and pale stools

🔍 Diagnosis:

• Blood tests (liver function tests, coagulation profile)
• Imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI)
• Liver biopsy in some cases

💊 Treatment:

• Address underlying cause (antivirals, stopping toxins)
• Supportive care (fluids, nutrition)
• Medications to manage complications (e.g., lactulose for encephalopathy)
• In severe cases, liver transplant may be necessary

⚠️ Complications:

• Multi-organ failure
• Severe bleeding
• Infection risk
• Hepatic coma