Abdominal: Chronic Liver Failure (brief)

Question 1

what is chronic liver failure?

Answer 1

Liver cirrhosis is the result of chronic inflammation and damage to liver cells.

Question 2

what are the most common causes of chronic liver failure?

Answer 2

Alcoholic liver disease,
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,
hepatitis B,
hepatitis C.

Question 3

what are some risk factors for chronic liver failure?

Answer 3

Hepatitis infection. 
Poor diet. 
Excessive alcohol consumption. 
IV drug users. 
Unprotected sexual intercourse.

Question 4

What are clinical features of chronic liver failure?

Answer 4

• jaundice
• abdo pain
• oedema
• pruritus
• dark urine
• pale stools
• fatigue
• nausea/vomiting
• bruise easily.
• hepatic encephalopathy
• ascites

Question 5

what is hepatic encephalopathy?

Answer 5

Hepatic encephalopathy is a decline in brain function that occurs as a result of severe liver disease. In this condition, your liver can’t adequately remove toxins from your blood. This causes a buildup of toxins in your bloodstream, which can lead to brain damage.

Question 6

what investigations would you conduct to diagnose chronic liver failure?

Answer 6

• LFTs
• antibodies to hepatitis C/B
• ultrasound scan
• liver biopsy

Question 7

what is the treatment for chronic liver failure?

Answer 7

liver transplant

NB: pt will need to take immunosuppressants for the rest of their life and have regular check ups.

Question 8

what advice would you give a patient on preventing chronic liver failure?

Answer 8

• drink in moderation
• avoid drugs
• use condoms
• hepatitis vaccines
• maintain a healthy weight