Acute Liver Failure

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Acute liver failure

occurs when your liver is damaged and suddenly stops working properly. This may cause damage to other tissues or organs, such as your brain or kidneys. Acute liver failure can become life-threatening.

Common signs and symptoms of acute liver failure:

• Yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes
• Pain in the upper right side of your abdomen
• Itchy skin and a swollen abdomen, feet, and legs
• Changes in mood, confusion, or increased sleepiness
• Bleeding and bruising easily
• Dark bowel movements and decreased or dark urine
• Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You have a seizure.
• You lose consciousness or cannot be woken.
• You have sudden shortness of breath.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your symptoms return.
• You feel lightheaded or are too weak to stand.
• You have trouble thinking clearly, or you are confused.
• You urinate less than usual, have dark urine, or stop urinating.
• You vomit blood.
• You have blood in your bowel movements.
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• Your heart is beating faster than usual.

Call your doctor if:

• You have new symptoms.
• You have new or worse swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Health problems acute liver failure may cause:

• Encephalopathy occurs when harmful substances, such as ammonia, build up and cause brain damage.
• Bleeding problems may occur because your liver does not produce enough clotting factors. Clotting factors help your blood to clot.
• Heart and lung problems , such as hypotension (low blood pressure) and pulmonary edema may occur. Pulmonary edema is a buildup of fluid in the alveoli (air sacs) of your lungs. You may also get respiratory distress syndrome. This condition causes damage to the small blood vessels in your lungs.
• Infections , such as respiratory and urinary tract infections, may occur.
• Other health problems , such as kidney failure, hypoglycemia (decreased blood sugar level), and pancreatitis may occur. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.

Treatment

depends on the cause of your acute liver failure, and other health problems caused by liver failure. The goal of treatment is to decrease damage to your liver and control your symptoms. You will need to stay in the hospital for treatment. If you have a pregnancy-related condition that caused liver failure, you may need to give birth early. You may need any of the following:

• Medicines may be given to decrease liver damage caused by an acetaminophen overdose. Antivirals help treat or prevent a viral infection. Antiviral medicine may also be given to control symptoms of a viral infection that cannot be cured. Steroids may be given to decrease inflammation. Medicines may be given to treat other health problems caused by acute liver failure. An example is medicine to decrease ammonia levels and treat encephalopathy.
• A liver transplant may be needed if your liver is badly damaged. All or part of your damaged liver is removed or replaced with a healthy liver from a donor.

Manage or prevent acute liver failure:

• Ask about medicines and supplements. Some medicines and supplements can harm your liver. Acetaminophen is an example. Talk to your healthcare provider about all your medicines. Do not take any over-the-counter medicine or herbal supplements unless your provider says it is okay.
• Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol will cause more damage to your liver.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause blood vessel and lung damage. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
• Reach or maintain a healthy weight. Extra body weight increases the risk for fatty liver disease. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a safe weight loss plan, if needed.
• Slowly return to your activities. You may feel weak or get tired easily for several weeks. Slowly increase your activity every day. Take breaks and rest when you need it. You may need to avoid contact sports to prevent injury. You may bleed easily until your liver heals. Ask your provider which activities are safe for you to do.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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