Definition

The liver filters harmful items from the blood and helps your body process food. It also makes important proteins that helps the blood cells clot and fight infections. Failure is the gradual or sudden loss of liver function. It may be:

• Acute liver failure—the sudden loss of liver function
• Chronic liver failure—the loss of liver function over time

The Liver Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Acute liver failure can occur after poisoning. A common cause is the improper use of certain medicine like acetaminophen and herbal supplements. It may also be caused by a virus that attacks the liver.

Chronic liver failure is often due to other medical conditions such as:

• Cirrhosis
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis, which is a disease of the bile ducts
• Congenital defects, such as biliary atresia
• Liver tumors
• Metabolic causes, such as Wilson disease and Reye disease

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the chances of acute liver failure:

• Exposure to toxins
• Excess use of acetaminophen
• Taking specific prescription medications or herbal supplements
• Having viral hepatitis

Factors that may increase your risk of chronic liver failure include:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Having a condition that damages the liver over time, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute liver failure begin quickly. Symptoms of chronic liver failure will worsen over time.

Symptoms of liver failure include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Extreme fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Abdominal swelling
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Confusion

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and past health. The doctor may ask about any medicine or supplements you are taking, as well as alcohol use. A physical exam will be done.

Blood and urine tests will help to show how well the liver is working. The tests will look for changes in liver enzymes, the ability for blood to clot, or any toxins.

Images may be needed to check for signs of liver damage. This can be done with:

• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI scan

A liver biopsy may be done to help find a cause for the liver failure and to look for damage. During the biopsy, a sample of liver tissue is removed, It is sent to a lab for examination.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of your liver failure and whether it is acute or chronic. Options include:

Prevention

To decrease stress on the liver:

• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. This means no more than 1 drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men.
• Do not use IV drugs.
• Practice safe sex. Hepatitis can be spread through unsafe sex.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
• Use medications as directed.
• Avoid toxic chemicals, such as insecticides.
• Maintain a healthy weight.