Acute liver failure

Question 1

What is acute liver failure

Answer 1

Acute liver failure is the rapid onset of hepatocellular dysfunction leading to a variety of systemic complications

Question 2

Name 2 causes of acute liver failure

Answer 2

• Paracetamol overdose
• Medication i.e. some kinds of antibiotics
• Viral hepatitis (usually A or B)
• Acute fatty liver of pregnancy

Question 3

Name 3 symptoms of acute liver failure

Answer 3

• Jaundice
• Upper right abdomen pain
• Ascites
• Nausea and vomiting
• Malaise
• Disorientation or confusion
• Fatigue
• Sweet odor breath
• Tremors

Question 4

Name 3 features of acute liver failure

Answer 4

• Jaundice
• Coagulopathy: raised prothrombin time
• Hypoalbuminaemia
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Hepatorenal syndrome

Question 5

Name 2 complications of acute liver failure

Answer 5

• Cerebral oedema
• Bleeding and bleeding disorders
• Infections
• Kidney failure

Question 6

What is the most accurate determinant of acute liver failure?

Answer 6

Pro-thrombin time (prolonged)/INR