Acute liver failure
Acute liver failure is characterized by a rapid loss of liver function over several days or weeks Acute failure generally develops in people who do not have pre-existing liver disease Acute failure is rarer than chronic, which develops gradually
Acute liver failure is associated with severe complications such as severe bleeding or increased pressure in the brain. This condition requires immediate intervention and hospitalization
Sometimes, depending on the cause, acute failure is fully amenable to treatment In some situations, a liver transplant is the only solution
In acute liver failure, many liver cells are damaged and lose their normal functions. Possible causes are:
- Acetaminophen overdose Acetaminophen overdose is the most common cause of acute failure Such a complication can only follow a very large dose or excessive doses for several days
- If you think you or someone around you has overdosed on acetaminophen, get medical help as soon as possible. Do not wait for signs of liver failure to develop
- Prescription drugs Some medications, such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, can cause acute liver failure.
- Herbal supplements Herbal medicines, such as kava, ephedra, etc It is related to the development of acute failure
- Hepatitis and other viruses Hepatitis A, B and C viruses cause acute liver failure Other viruses with the same complication include Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes virus.
- Toxins Acute liver failure can also be caused by a number of toxins, such as Amanita phalloides, which are sometimes found in edible mushrooms.
- Autoimmune diseases Liver failure can be caused by autoimmune hepatitis In autoimmune hepatitis, the immune system attacks the body's liver cells, causing inflammation and damage.
- Hepatic vein diseases Vascular diseases such as Budd-Chiar syndrome cause blockage in the hepatic veins and liver failure develops.
- Metabolic diseases Rare metabolic diseases such as Wilson's disease and acute fatty liver disease of pregnancy rarely cause acute liver failure.
- Cancer A tumor that started or metastasized in the liver causes liver failure
- Many cases of failure have no specific cause
Signs and symptoms of acute liver failure include: - Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
- Pain in the right side of the abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Feeling sick This condition is life-threatening If you or someone you know notices sudden yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the upper right abdomen, or unusual changes in mental status or behavior, be sure to seek medical attention
