Dr. Sharan Narute

Acute Liver Failure

Acute Liver Failure in Pune & PCMC - Dr. Sharan Narute

Acute liver failure

Acute liver failure is a life-threatening condition characterized by the rapid deterioration of liver function in individuals with little or no pre-existing liver disease. It is associated with a high mortality rate if not promptly recognized and treated.

Acute liver failure occurs when liver cells are damaged significantly and are no longer able to function. Potential causes include: Acetaminophen overdose. Taking too much acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States

Causes

Acute liver failure can result from various causes, including viral hepatitis (e.g., hepatitis A, B, or E), drug-induced liver injury (e.g., acetaminophen overdose), autoimmune hepatitis, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, Wilson’s disease, and ischemic hepatitis (shock liver).

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute liver failure may develop rapidly and include jaundice, coagulopathy (bleeding tendency), hepatic encephalopathy (confusion, altered consciousness), ascites, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

Treatment

Treatment of acute liver failure involves supportive care, including close monitoring of vital signs, management of complications (e.g., cerebral edema, coagulopathy), and identification and treatment of the underlying cause. Liver transplantation may be necessary in severe cases where liver function does not improve with medical therapy.