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ABSTRACT –

Malfunction and non-functioning of liver gives rise to Acute Liver Failure which increases rapidly in days or weeks in people with no history of pre-existing liver disease. It is also known as Fulminant Hepatic Failure which can lead to severe complications like increased bleeding and pressure in the brain. Treatment depends upon the cause of liver failure. Sometimes, liver transplant is the only possible cure.

CAUSES –

• Some herbal supplements like ephedra and kava
• Viruses like Hepatitis A, B, C and E
• Ingestion of poisonous wild mushroom, Amanita phalloides and other toxins like Carbon tetrachloride.
• Vascular diseases like Budd-Chiari in the liver can lead to blockage in the veins
• Cancer
• Shock and other infections result in severe impair of blood flow to the liver
• Some prescribed antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anticonvulsants
• Long-term alcohol consumption
• Cirrhosis
• Hemochromatosis (This disorder is caused when there is high storage and absorption of iron in the body)
• Malnutrition
• Acetaminophen overdose

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –

• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Pain occurs in the upper right abdomen/li>
• Swollen abdomen
• Nausea, vomiting and drowsiness
• Malaise and discomfort
• Confusion and Dizziness

DIAGNOSIS –

• Blood tests
• Imaging tests like CT scan or MRI and ultrasound testing
• Liver biopsy and liver tissue examination

TREATMENT –

• Reversing the effects of Acetaminophen overdose and poisonous mushroom by specific drugs which also reduces the damage in liver
• Liver transplant
• Certain medications

PREVENTION –

• Limit alcohol consumption
• Protection during sex
• Usage of septic equipment while getting tattoo or body piercing
• Quit smoking
• Hepatitis vaccinations to prevent hepatitis A or B
• Sharing personal items like razor blades or toothbrushes might spread infection and is very unhygienic
• Health maintenance and reduce obesity to avoid Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
• Avoid the consumption of wild mushrooms

EPIDEMIOLOGY –

There is an incidence of 10 people per million population suffering from this rare syndrome of Acute Liver Failure worldwide.