Acute liver failure, also known as fulminant hepatic failure, is a severe medical condition in which the liver rapidly loses its ability to function, leading to a rapid deterioration of liver function within days or weeks. It is characterized by the sudden onset of liver failure symptoms and is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
The liver is responsible for several vital functions, including metabolizing nutrients, detoxifying harmful substances, producing essential proteins, and storing vitamins and minerals. However, in acute liver failure, the liver becomes unable to perform these functions adequately.
There are several possible causes of acute liver failure, including viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis E), drug reactions (such as acetaminophen overdose or reaction to certain antibiotics), autoimmune diseases, and other rare conditions.
Symptoms of acute liver failure may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, and bleeding disorders. Without prompt and appropriate medical intervention, acute liver failure can lead to complications like multi-organ failure, brain swelling, and death.
Treatment for acute liver failure typically involves addressing the underlying cause if possible, providing supportive care to stabilize the patient's condition, and may require a liver transplantation if the liver damage is irreversible. Due to the severity and rapid progression of acute liver failure, early recognition, diagnosis, and immediate medical intervention are crucial for improving outcomes and minimizing complications.
