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Acute Liver Failure: Causes, Diagnosis, And The Role Of Liver Transplantation
The Liver is one of the most vital organs in our body. Because of its huge reservoir of function and a unique ability to regenerate itself it is affected by a lot of diseases. A person at first hardly notices any symptoms of the liver disease until more than 70% of the liver ends up getting damaged.
Acute liver failure is a very rare life-threatening medical condition. This disease is characterised by complete loss of liver functions in a very short span of time, development of jaundice followed by coagulopathy (inability of blood to form clots) and encephalopathy (altered sensorium progressing to unconsciousness and coma). The common causes of Acute Liver Failure in our country include Hepatitis E and B, medications for the treatment of Tuberculosis, massive overdose of painkiller medicines, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson’s disease and acute fatty liver of pregnancy.
Patients are advised to enrol at state-of-the-art ‘Liver Transplant’ centres for treatment with immediate effect. A battery of tests including serial liver function tests, prothrombin time to measure clotting ability of blood, ultrasound and /or CT scan of the abdomen and rarely a liver biopsy is needed for a conclusive diagnosis. As there is no substitute for the function of the liver like dialysis, the treatment consists of supporting the vital functions of the body till the time the liver recovers.
A subset of these patients who continue to deteriorate despite all supportive treatment is usually advised to undergo Liver Transplantation – known as the ‘King’s College Criteria’. The key to a successful transplant is being under the care and support of a multidisciplinary team of Doctors, Physicians and Liver Transplant Surgeons. As well as a well-equipped Intensive care unit with dedicated nurses, physiotherapists and nutritionists.
After spontaneous recovery/liver transplant operation, the patients lead a long and healthy life and that is what brings smiles to our faces.
Why Sahyadri Hospital?
At Sahyadri Hospital, we provide exceptional care for liver-related conditions, backed by a dedicated team of liver transplant surgeons and specialists. Our state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology ensure that patients receive timely and comprehensive assessments, including thorough diagnostic tests and personalised treatment plans. We follow the King’s College Criteria for evaluating liver transplant eligibility, ensuring that patients who need transplantation receive the best possible support. Our multidisciplinary approach, which includes expert nurses, physiotherapists, and nutritionists, is designed to optimise recovery and enhance the quality of life for patients after liver transplantation. At Sahyadri Hospital, our commitment to patient care and innovative treatment options brings hope and healing to those facing liver diseases.
What is acute liver failure? Acute liver failure is a rare and life-threatening condition characterised by a rapid loss of liver function, leading to symptoms like jaundice, coagulopathy, and altered mental status.
What are the common causes of acute liver failure? Common causes include viral hepatitis (especially Hepatitis E and B), certain medications, autoimmune hepatitis, and conditions like Wilson’s disease and acute fatty liver of pregnancy.
When is liver transplantation necessary? Liver transplantation is typically necessary when a patient’s condition deteriorates despite supportive treatment, following the King’s College Criteria for transplant eligibility.
For more detailed information, you can visit the full article on theSahyadri Hospital blog.
