Liver failure

As liver failure or liver insufficiency the extinction of liver function is called up to the hepatic coma. Nowadays, there are procedures that can help the liver detoxify the blood ( see also liver dialysis ) or bridge the time to transplantation.

Causes

The liver function itself is guaranteed both by the corresponding metabolic work of the liver cells and by an adequate blood supply to the liver tissue and is therefore on the remaining histological structure of the liver dependent.

Can thus perform all illnesses or injuries that damage these anatomical- physiological unit to liver failure. First and foremost are the hepatotropic hepatitis viruses B, C and D, adverse drug effects (eg, liver damage caused by macrolide antibiotics), accidental poisoning or those with suicidal intent with hepatotoxic agents (eg, acetaminophen or especially alcohol) and toxins such as those of the amanita - amatoxins, aflatoxins, phallotoxins and Phallolysine - responsible.

Classification

The acute and subacute liver failure is then classified in ICD -10 K72.0, if not more details to the development of liver failure are possible. Chronic liver failure is - again, in the absence of more detailed information - referred to as K72.1.

A liver failure as a result of unspecified diseases or poisoning is accordingly assigned to these causes.

Follow

Liver failure is characterized by:

• Jaundice (jaundice)
• Hepatic encephalopathy through to hepatic coma
• Hepatorenal syndrome ( kidney failure as a result of liver failure )
• Blood clotting disorders
• Hypoalbuminemia with ascites
• Endocrine disorders ( disorders of the endocrine system )