Health Matters : What is Liver Failure ?
Story Summary: Death occurs when approximately 80% to 90% of liver function is lost, depending on the effectiveness of the remaining liver tissue and other factors. Liver failure can progress extremely rapidly as in Fulminant Hepatic Failure (FHF), or more slowly, as with chronic liver diseases. The things that can cause acute liver failure include hepatitis virus infections, drugs, pregnancy, autoimmune disease, and sudden low blood flow to the liver. Little is known about how often each of these things is responsible for acute liver failure in the United States. Prominent among these is viral hepatitis caused by at least three distinct viruses: hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus. Drug ingestion is also a significant cause of liver failure, with alcohol being the most familiar. Acetaminophen, taken with suicidal intent, is the single most common cause of fulminant liver failure in Great Britain. Upwards of 25% of patients with FHF are not suitable candidates for liver transplantation and are associated with a mortality rate exceeding 90%. In addition 5-10% of patients who are suitable candidates for liver transplantation expire due to the unavailability of a donor liver….Read the Full Story
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