Liver failure

Liver failure is the final stage of liver disease. By definition, liver failure occurs when the liver is so diseased, and functioning so poorly, that encephalopathy is evident. Any progressive liver disease can result in liver failure; examples include: acetaminophen toxicity, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and metastatic cancer of the liver. Other signs of liver disease such as jaundice, ascites, and failure of coagulation indicate that the liver is having trouble performing its normal physiological duties, but it is not termed liver failure until the mental status changes appear.

Treatment involves correcting any underlying cause, if this is possible, else medications such as lactulose are given to relieve the symptoms.

External link

• Concerns about liver failure from Handbook for Mortals