Liver Failure

The liver is a vital organ responsible for numerous essential bodily functions—metabolizing nutrients, detoxifying the blood, storing energy, and producing bile. When the liver loses its ability to function properly, it leads to liver failure. This condition can be sudden (acute) or develop over time (chronic), and it requires urgent medical attention.

In this blog, we explore the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for liver failure, along with steps you can take to prevent it.

What is Liver Failure?

Liver failure occurs when large parts of the liver become damaged beyond repair, making it unable to perform its normal tasks. It is a serious medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

There are three main types of liver failure:

• Acute liver failure – Rapid deterioration of liver function in individuals with no pre-existing liver disease.

• Chronic liver failure – Gradual loss of liver function over months or years, often caused by chronic liver disease.

• Acute-on-chronic liver failure – Sudden worsening of liver function in a person with chronic liver disease.

Functions of the Liver

Before diving deeper, let’s understand why liver function is so crucial. The liver:

• Produces bile for digestion

• Filters toxins and drugs from the blood

• Metabolizes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates

• Stores glucose and vitamins

• Produces blood-clotting proteins

When the liver fails, all these processes are compromised.

Causes of Liver Failure

Causes of Acute Liver Failure

1. Viral Hepatitis (A, B, E)

2. Drug-induced liver injury (e.g., paracetamol/acetaminophen overdose)

3. Toxins (e.g., poisonous mushrooms)

4. Autoimmune hepatitis

5. Wilson’s disease (genetic disorder causing copper buildup)

6. Reye’s syndrome (in children, associated with aspirin use)

7. Shock or low blood flow to the liver

Causes of Chronic Liver Failure

1. Chronic hepatitis B and C infections

2. Alcoholic liver disease

3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

4. Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)

5. Hemochromatosis (iron overload)

6. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

7. Bile duct diseases (e.g., primary biliary cholangitis)

Triggers of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

• Infections

• Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Alcohol binge

• Drug toxicity

• Surgery or trauma

Symptoms of Liver Failure

Liver failure symptoms vary depending on whether it is acute or chronic. The image you shared beautifully outlines this, and we’ll expand upon it below:

Symptoms of Acute Liver Failure

• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)

• Pain in the upper right abdomen

• Abdominal swelling

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fatigue and malaise

• Dehydration

• Mental confusion or disorientation

• Tendency to bleed easily

Symptoms of Chronic Liver Failure

• Fatigue and weakness

• Loss of appetite (anorexia)

• Unintentional weight loss

• Persistent nausea

• Jaundice

• Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)

• Itchy skin

• Swelling in legs (edema)

• Dark urine and pale stools

Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Symptoms

• Sudden fluid overload

• Severe abdominal pain

• Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Altered mental status (hepatic encephalopathy)

• Multiple organ failure

Complications of Liver Failure

• Hepatic Encephalopathy: Brain dysfunction due to toxins

• Ascites: Fluid accumulation in the abdomen

• Portal Hypertension: Increased pressure in the liver’s blood vessels

• Coagulopathy: Impaired blood clotting

• Kidney failure

• Sepsis (systemic infection)

• Multi-organ dysfunction

Diagnosing Liver Failure

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

• History of alcohol use, medication intake, hepatitis infection, or genetic diseases

• Exam for signs like jaundice, ascites, and asterixis (flapping tremor)

2. Blood Tests

• Liver function tests (LFTs): ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin

• Prothrombin Time (PT)/INR: Measures blood clotting ability

• Ammonia levels: Elevated in encephalopathy

• Serum electrolytes and kidney function

• Viral hepatitis markers

3. Imaging Studies

• Ultrasound – Assess liver size, blood flow, and fluid accumulation

• CT Scan/MRI – Detailed structural information

• Elastography – Measures liver stiffness (fibrosis)

4. Liver Biopsy

• Helps determine the degree of liver damage and specific cause

Treatment of Liver Failure

Treatment for Acute Liver Failure

• Hospitalization – Often in ICU for close monitoring

• Supportive care – Fluids, electrolytes, and glucose

• Management of complications – Bleeding, encephalopathy, infections

• Antidotes – For paracetamol overdose (e.g., N-acetylcysteine)

• Liver transplant – Often the only cure for irreversible acute failure

Treatment for Chronic Liver Failure

• Management of underlying cause

  • Antiviral medications for hepatitis

  • Abstinence from alcohol

  • Weight loss for NAFLD

• Medications

  • Diuretics for ascites

  • Lactulose for encephalopathy

  • Beta-blockers for varices

• Nutritional support

• Regular monitoring

• Liver transplant – For end-stage liver disease

Liver Transplantation

In cases where liver failure is irreversible, liver transplantation becomes the only life-saving option. Indications include:

• Acute liver failure with poor prognosis

• Cirrhosis with complications (e.g., variceal bleeding, encephalopathy)

• Hepatocellular carcinoma meeting transplant criteria

Preventing Liver Failure

You can take steps to protect your liver and prevent liver failure:

• Avoid excessive alcohol

• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B

• Practice safe sex

• Avoid sharing needles or personal items

• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity

• Limit exposure to toxic chemicals and drugs

• Use medications responsibly

• Eat a balanced, liver-friendly diet

• Exercise regularly

Living with Liver Failure

Living with liver failure requires lifestyle adjustments and regular medical supervision:

• Follow dietary restrictions (low sodium, high protein as advised)

• Avoid alcohol and liver-damaging medications

• Monitor fluid retention

• Keep up with vaccinations

• Attend regular follow-ups and screenings

• Mental health support is crucial due to the emotional burden of chronic disease

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden yellowing of eyes or skin

• Unexplained fatigue or confusion

• Severe abdominal pain or swelling

• Vomiting blood or passing black stools

• Difficulty breathing or altered consciousness

Liver failure is a critical condition that demands immediate and expert care. Whether caused by infections, alcohol, fatty liver, or genetic disorders, early recognition and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Chronic liver failure may be silent for years, so routine check-ups and liver function tests are essential—especially if you’re at risk.

Choose Sparsh Diagnostic Centre for Early Liver Disease Detection

At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic services including Ultrasound and Liver Function Tests to detect early liver damage and prevent liver failure. Don’t ignore the signs—act early.

📍Location: Kolkata
🕒 Hours: Mon to Sat: 7 AM – 9 PM | Sunday: 7 AM – 3 PM
📞 Contact: 9830117733 / 8335049501
🔗 Website: https://www.sparshdiagnostica.com

#BhaloTheko

Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.