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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3. Causes of Liver Failure

In the U.S., acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure. ¹Gagan K et al. Acute liver failure. Medscape: Drugs and Diseases (2019) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/177354-overview Other causes include medications, illicit drugs, mushrooms, and medicinal herbs. Environmental chemicals, such as organic solvents and phosphorous also act as poisons that severely damage the liver.¹Gagan K et al. Acute liver failure. Medscape: Drugs and Diseases (2019) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/177354-overview

In the United States, alcoholism and hepatitis C infection are the primary causes of cirrhosis. Chronic heart disease and metabolic disorders also can lead to decreased liver function. ³Wolf, David C. et al. Cirrhosis. Medscape: Drugs and Diseases (2018) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/185856-overview More rarely, a genetic disorder known as Wilson disease causes liver failure through the buildup of copper metal inside the liver and other body tissues.¹Gagan K et al. Acute liver failure. Medscape: Drugs and Diseases (2019) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/177354-overview