Liver failure, a condition when a large part of the liver is damaged

Liver failure is a condition when a large part of the liver is damaged, so it cannot function properly. This condition can occur gradually over years, or happen instantly. Liver failure must be treated immediately because of the risk of causing death.

The liver has a number of important functions, including removing toxins from the body, helping the process of blood clotting, and helping the body fight infection. Someone will be in a serious condition, if a number of these functions are not running normally.

Liver failure is generally characterized by yellowing eyes and skin, and a swollen abdomen due to fluid retention. The causes of liver failure are very diverse, but the most frequent causes are viral hepatitis infections, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, and drug overdoses of paracetamol.

Causes of Liver Failure

Liver failure is caused by damage to cells in the liver. The damage can occur instantaneously, or develop in the long term. A number of factors that can cause liver failure are:

Cirrhosis.

Viral infections, especially hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis E.

Cancer, both originating in the liver, and cancer originating from other parts of the body then spread to the liver.

Excessive use of paracetamol drugs.

Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-convulsions, and herbal medicines.

Alcohol addiction.

Drug abuse.

Exposure to poisons, for example carbon tetrachloride.

The immune system that attacks the body itself (autoimmune hepatitis).

Vascular diseases in the liver, such as Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Metabolic disorders, for example Wilson's disease.

The body's reaction to severe infection (sepsis).

Other diseases, such as blockage of blood vessels in the liver, iron buildup in the body, fructose intolerance, Reye's syndrome, and galactosemia.

Symptoms of Liver Failure

Early symptoms of liver failure tend to be mild and similar to symptoms in other conditions, namely upper abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. When the condition of the liver deteriorates, more serious symptoms will appear. Symptoms of advanced liver failure include:

• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Fluid buildup in the stomach
• Vomiting blood or bloody chapter (black)
• Misty consciousness and chaotic speech
• Unconscious

When to see a doctor

If you are at risk of developing hepatitis or have never received a hepatitis vaccine, immediately consult a doctor to consult. The doctor will explain the importance of vaccines.

Patients with prolonged viral infections, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C, or an alcoholic, should consult with a gastroenterohepatologist regularly to prevent further liver damage, which can lead to liver failure.

Through routine checks, the doctor will find out liver damage early so that actions can be given more quickly to prevent further damage. Handling must be done immediately if the sufferer of liver failure experience symptoms of advanced liver failure.

Diagnosis of liver failure

To determine liver failure, the doctor will ask the patient about the use of drugs, consumption of alcoholic beverages and drugs, as well as a history of the illness. Next, the doctor will do a physical examination to see signs of liver failure, such as swollen abdomen, pain in the upper right abdomen, and yellowing eyes and skin.

There are several additional tests that will be performed by doctors to diagnose liver failure, including:

Liver function test

Liver function tests are performed to determine the ability of liver function in patients, by examining a patient's blood sample, to be examined in the laboratory. Through the blood sample, the doctor can find out the levels of enzymes and proteins produced by the liver, including bilirubin levels which make the skin turn yellow.

Besides performing liver function tests, blood tests can also be done to see the time of blood clotting which becomes abnormal when liver failure occurs.

Imaging and biopsy

Doctors can perform imaging with ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to see the structure of the liver. In some cases, the doctor will also take a tissue sample (biopsy) on the patient's liver, to find out the cause of the damage.

Treatment for liver failure

Damaged liver to cause liver failure can return to normal, but may not. Liver failure due to an overdose of paracetamol usually can still return to normal.

If the liver damage is severe enough and its function cannot return to normal, for example in cirrhosis, treatment will be aimed at saving a healthy part of the liver. But if this is not possible, the patient's liver needs to be replaced with a healthy liver from the donor. This procedure is called a liver transplant.

There is no specific treatment for liver failure. The treatment given is only intended to maintain the stability of the condition of the body until the liver can return to normal functioning. Treatment includes:

Infusion to maintain normal blood pressure.

Blood transfusion if you experience bleeding.

Laxatives for removing toxins from the body.

Sugar injection when blood sugar levels drop.

To maintain a healthy part of the liver, the doctor will advise sufferers to:

Avoid taking drugs without doctor's advice.

Do not consume alcoholic beverages.

Limit consumption of red meat, cheese and eggs.

Reducing consumption of salt in the diet.

Maintain normal blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Maintain ideal body weight.

Complications of liver failure

Malfunctioning of the liver can cause a number of serious conditions, such as:

Bleeding due to lack of blood clotting factors.

Swelling of the brain due to accumulation of fluid in the brain.

Kidney failure.

Susceptible to infection.

Prevention of liver failure

Liver failure can be prevented by preventing liver or liver disease. Ways that can be done include:

• Carry out hepatitis vaccination, namely hepatitis A vaccine or hepatitis B. vaccine
• Do not share the use of personal items, such as shavers.
• Stop using drugs, let alone sharing needles.
• Having safe sex, that is, not changing partners and using condoms.
• Limit consumption of alcoholic drinks.
• Do not take paracetamol more than the recommended dosage.
• Use herbal medicines safely.
• Maintain ideal body weight and regular exercise.
• Wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet.
• Use personal protective equipment at work to protect yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals.

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