ABSTRACT – Malfunction and non-functioning of liver gives rise to Acute Liver Failure which increases rapidly in days or...
Acute liver failure
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.
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