Fulminant Hepatic Failure

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Fulminant hepatic failure is also called FHF or acute liver failure. FHF occurs when your liver suddenly stops working often causing problems in other areas of your body. The liver is a large reddish-brown organ in the upper right area of your abdomen (stomach). The liver filters (gets rid of) harmful substances (things) such as ammonia and alcohol in your blood. It also breaks down old red blood cells and helps your immune system (body's defense) work properly. With FHF, your liver is damaged and will not be able to do all of its work. Harmful things may cause more damage to your liver and other tissues or organs.
  
  
• FHF may be caused by an infection, poisoning from certain medicines, or by an autoimmune disease. It may also be caused by cancer from other body parts that has spread to your liver. You may feel tired and weak, and have yellowing of your skin, gums, and the whites of your eyes. Blood and urine tests, a liver biopsy, and imaging tests may be done to learn more about your condition. Treatment may include medicines, plasmapheresis, artificial liver support, such as dialysis, or liver transplant surgery. Having your FHF treated may prevent more damage to your liver or death from multi-organ failure.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed.

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Antiviral medicine: This is given to prevent or treat an infection caused by a germ called a virus. Antiviral medicine may also be given to control symptoms of a viral infection that cannot be cured.
  
  
• Clot busters: This medicine helps break apart clots. It is given IV and may be given at the same time as other blood thinners. This medicine could save your life because blood clots in the heart, lungs or brain can kill you. Be careful because you may bleed or bruise easily.
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.
  
  
• Synthetic sugar: This medicine may be given if the ammonia levels in your blood are too high.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You bruise or bleed easily.
  
  
• Your blood pressure reading is higher than your normal.
  
  
• Your symptoms come back after treatment.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have shaking chills and a fever.
  
  
• You feel lightheaded or have just fainted (passed out).
  
  
• You suddenly have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have trouble thinking clearly or seem more confused.

Learn more about Fulminant Hepatic Failure (Aftercare Instructions)