Acute liver failure happens rapidly. This condition might happen over the course of a few days or weeks and typically impacts those who do not have pre-existing liver disease. The most common causes for this condition are overuse of drugs like acetaminophen or the hepatitis virus. This form of liver failure is less common than chronic liver failure, which does not develop nearly as rapidly.
There are serious health complications associated with acute liver failure. This is a condition that is a medical emergency that typically requires hospitalisation. In some cases, this condition can be reversed through treatment, but many patients will require a liver transplant to regain their health.
The symptoms of acute liver failure are:
This health condition usually happens abruptly in otherwise healthy people, and symptoms might develop within a couple of days. Yellowing of the eyes and the skin and tenderness in the upper abdomen are typically the first symptoms that patients notice. In some cases, changes in mental state and a feeling of being unwell are the first signs that something is wrong.
Acute liver failure can happen for a variety of different reasons. The most common causes of acute liver failure are:
The risk factors for acute liver failure are:
Acute liver failure is always an emergency. Various tests are usually performed in the hospital when patients arrive to get care. Blood tests will be done to check on liver function, and imaging tests will usually be needed to check the condition of the liver and other organs. A liver biopsy might also be needed to verify the condition of the liver itself. Patients will typically need to spend some time in the hospital after the initial diagnosis to be stabilised or to receive continuing treatment for secondary problems.
Treatment for this condition can vary depending on the reason for the acute liver failure. If poisoning is the reason for liver failure, there are medications that can be given to reverse the effects of these medications. If hepatitis is the reason for a patient’s liver failure, the patient’s hepatitis will need to be treated along with the liver failure itself.
For patients whose liver is badly damaged, a liver transplant might not be the only option for treatment. Some patients will enjoy improvement of their liver health over time with supportive care, but many patients will have lasting health complications as a result of their instance with acute liver failure.
Prevention of acute liver failure might not be possible. However, avoiding overuse of NSAIDs and limiting your intake of alcohol can reduce your chances of getting this condition. For those who need to take medications that can impact liver health, it is important to follow the guidance of the doctor who prescribed the medication. Medications that can cause liver health issues usually require frequent testing to verify liver health.
For those who could be exposed to the blood and bodily fluids of others on a regular basis, it is important to take the proper precautions to prevent being exposed to infections like hepatitis which can lead to liver failure. If you have an autoimmune condition, you should speak to your doctor about regular testing to verify your liver health.