Acute Liver Failure: Know What Experts Say
Experiencing an acute liver failure can be a real nightmare. There is only a small time-window, and the absence of urgent medical care can accelerate a patient's condition to a life-threatening stage.
Considering the risks associated with acute liver failure, it is surprising that most people, especially those with an ailing liver, are still unaware of the many complications a sick Liver can trigger without any prior notice. We thought it is time that we use our platform to educate people about this life-threatening condition.
We sat down with Dr. Gaurav Gandhi, who is a Consultant- Dept. of Gastroenterology at Medipulse. Dr. Gaurav Gandhi gives us detailed information about acute liver failure, its cause symptoms, and treatment. We hope this information would help create awareness about the disease.
1. Who is a candidate for Acute Liver Failure?
The liver is a large organ with a size similar to that of a football. Hence, there would be signs of any inconsistencies in liver health. The primary ones include yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, swelling and pain around the abdominal region, chronic fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and itchy skin. In any of these cases, the best thing is to visit a doctor and get your liver checked immediately.
Normally, the first stage of Liver failure has no obvious pain. But jaundice, swelling, fatigue, and other signs must not be taken lightly. Once the liver has been severely damaged, severe complications start appearing fast and rapid.
2. What exactly is Acute Liver Failure?
Acute liver failure is the rapid deterioration of liver function. Within just a few weeks from the first signs of liver disease, 80–90% of liver cells are damaged, and the failure may occur within a matter of days.
3. What are its primary causes and related complications?
Viral infections (hepatitis A, B, and E) are the predominant causes of acute liver failure. Further drug-induced liver damage is another primary cause of acute liver failure. It accounts for nearly 50% of the global acute liver failure cases.
Acute liver failure, more often than not, causes severe complications, including:
Excessive pressure in the brain (leading to Coma)
Bleeding
Renal failure
4. When Must One Press The Panic Button?
As early as possible!
Hyper-acute liver failure occurs within a week, sub-acute within 4–12 weeks and acute within 8–28 days. If untreated, the acute liver may lead to a complete shutdown of the liver functions.
Initial Signs:
Fatigue
Nausea
Nausea
Appetite Loss
Signs of Progressive Liver Failure
Swollen abdomen
Jaundice
Bleeding
Mental disorientation or confusion
In any of the cases, it is a must that the patients get medical care at the earliest.
5. How is Acute Liver Failure Treated?
Treatment primarily depends on whether the failure was detected on time or not. In case, it is detected early enough; the doctor can sometimes stop the damage from progressing beyond repairs and prevent complete organ failure.
Initially, the goal is to achieve metabolic and hemodynamic stability for preventing the risk of complications. However, the rate of survival is less without a transplant. For patients who can’t survive with medical support only, a liver transplant is a potential treatment option.
Going through an acute liver failure is a painfully fearsome experience. However, timely liver care can help potential patients avoid this life-threatening condition. At Medipulse Hospital, we have the medical infrastructure and the expertise to offer your liver the care it deserves. In Dr. Gaurav Gandhi, we have an expert who has years of experience in diagnosing and treating an ailing liver. Get your Liver checked and treated at Medipulse, the top private hospital in Jodhpur. Don’t let an ailing liver stop you from living a happy and healthy life.