What Is Liver Failure?

By amanda

Reviewed: Dr. Mera

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Gagan K et al. Acute liver failure. Medscape: Drugs and Diseases (2019) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/177354-overview
• 2. Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions: Liver Disease. (2020) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20374502
• 3. Wolf, David C. et al. Cirrhosis. Medscape: Drugs and Diseases (2018) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/185856-overview

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10. Treatment

Acute liver failure is a life-threatening illness that requires treatment in a hospital’s intensive care unit.¹Gagan K et al. Acute liver failure. Medscape: Drugs and Diseases (2019) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/177354-overview In the case of poisoning with acetaminophen or certain mushrooms, emergency room physicians administer an antidote that binds to the poison and removes it from the system. Liver transplantation is often warranted, with blood dialysis performed while waiting for a donor.¹Gagan K et al. Acute liver failure. Medscape: Drugs and Diseases (2019) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/177354-overview

The priority in the treatment of patients with chronic liver failure is to remove the cause, be it alcohol consumption or a virus. ³Wolf, David C. et al. Cirrhosis. Medscape: Drugs and Diseases (2018) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/185856-overview Secondary treatment priorities include administering mediations to restore a healthy gut biome, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation and high blood pressure.³Wolf, David C. et al. Cirrhosis. Medscape: Drugs and Diseases (2018) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/185856-overview