Liver Failure: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment | Dr. Nachiket Mahindrakar

The liver is a vital organ responsible for many essential functions, including detoxification, metabolism, and digestion. Liver failure, a critical medical condition, occurs when the liver loses its ability to function properly. Early recognition and prompt treatment can be lifesaving.

What is liver failure?

Liver failure can be acute or chronic.

• Acute Liver Failure: Develops rapidly within days or weeks, often in individuals with no prior liver disease.
• Chronic Liver Failure: Progresses over months or years, commonly due to long-term liver damage.

Causes of Liver Failure

1. Acute liver failure causes:
   • Drug Toxicity: Overdose of acetaminophen or adverse reactions to medications.
   • Infections: Hepatitis A, B, or E.
   • Toxins: poisonous mushrooms or industrial chemicals.
   • Autoimmune Liver Disease: The body’s immune system attacks liver cells.
2. Chronic liver failure causes:
   • Chronic alcohol abuse: leading to cirrhosis.
   • Viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis B and C infections.
   • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): often linked to obesity or diabetes.
   • Genetic Disorders: Hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease.

Symptoms of Liver Failure

Early Symptoms

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Advanced Symptoms

• Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
• Mental confusion (hepatic encephalopathy)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Coma

Diagnostic Tests for Liver Failure

1. Blood Tests
   • Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Measures enzymes like ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels.
   • Prothrombin Time (PT): Evaluates blood clotting ability.
2. Imaging
   • Ultrasound or CT scan: Detects structural abnormalities.
   • MRI: offers detailed liver imaging.
3. Liver Biopsy
   • Helps identify specific liver diseases or damage.
4. Viral Hepatitis Tests
   • Detects specific viruses causing liver inflammation.

Treatment Options for Liver Failure

Acute Liver Failure Treatments

• Hospitalization: immediate care in an intensive care unit.
• Medications: To treat the underlying cause (e.g., antiviral drugs).
• Plasma Exchange: Reduces toxins in the blood.

Chronic Liver Failure Treatments

• Lifestyle Changes: Avoid alcohol; adopt a healthy diet.
• Medications: To manage symptoms and prevent further damage.
• Liver Transplantation: For severe cases or irreversible damage.

Prevention Tips

1. Vaccination: Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
2. Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
3. Avoid alcohol: Limit consumption to prevent cirrhosis.
4. Regular Checkups: Monitor liver health, especially if you have risk factors.

Why Choose We Heal Clinic?

At We Heal Clinic, Dr. Nachiket Mahindrakar offers comprehensive care for liver health, specializing in early diagnosis and treatment of liver disorders. Whether it’s managing chronic conditions or treating acute liver failure, our clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans.

Take charge of your liver health today. Book a consultation with Dr. Nachiket Mahindrakar at We Heal Clinic!