HEPATIC CRISIS Meaning and
Definition
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Hepatic crisis is a medical term used to describe a severe and acute episode of liver dysfunction or failure. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, such as detoxification, production of bile, storage of vitamins and minerals, and synthesis of essential proteins.
During a hepatic crisis, the normal functioning of the liver is compromised to a significant degree. This can result from a variety of causes, including chronic liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis, viral infections, drug toxicity, blockage of blood flow to the liver, or reactions to certain medications.
Symptoms of a hepatic crisis can vary widely depending on the underlying cause and the extent of liver damage, but commonly include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), severe abdominal pain, excessive bleeding, altered mental state, confusion, and even coma. Laboratory tests may reveal elevated levels of liver enzymes and other markers indicating impaired liver function.
Treatment for hepatic crisis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. It may involve supportive measures like intravenous fluids, medications to alleviate symptoms, and management of complications such as bleeding or infections. In severe cases, liver transplantation may be necessary.
Prompt medical attention is crucial in hepatic crisis cases as the condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.
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An attack of severe pain in the region of the liver in tabes dorsalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEPATIC CRISIS
- gepatic crisis
- bepatic crisis
- nepatic crisis
- jepatic crisis
- uepatic crisis
- yepatic crisis
- hwpatic crisis
- hspatic crisis
- hdpatic crisis
- hrpatic crisis
- h4patic crisis
- h3patic crisis
- heoatic crisis
- helatic crisis
- he-atic crisis
- he0atic crisis
- hepztic crisis
- hepstic crisis
- hepwtic crisis
- hepqtic crisis
Etymology of HEPATIC CRISIS
The word "hepatic crisis" originates from the combination of two separate components: "hepatic" and "crisis".
The term "hepatic" is derived from the Latin word "hepar", which means "liver". It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to anything related to the liver.
The word "crisis" is derived from the Greek word "krisis", which means "decision" or "turning point". In medical terminology, "crisis" usually refers to a critical or crucial stage or event in the progression of a disease.
Therefore, "hepatic crisis" refers to a critical stage or event concerning the liver, usually indicating an acute worsening of liver function or a life-threatening complication related to liver disease.
