Acute Liver Failure Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of acute liver failure

A

Occurs after a severe insult to the liver in a patient with no pre-existing liver disease

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2
Q

How can you classify acute liver failure

A

Hyperacute
Acute
Subacute

Based on the onset of hepatic encephalopathy

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3
Q

What is hyperacute liver failure

A

Onset of hepatic encephalopathy with 7 days of onset of symptoms

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4
Q

What is acute liver failure

A

Onset of hepatic encephalopathy within 8-28 days of onset of symptoms

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5
Q

What is subacute liver failure

A

Onset of hepatic encephalopathy after 28 days of onset of symptoms

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6
Q

What are some precipitants of acute decompensation of liver disease

A
Intercurrent infection - spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Acute GI bleed
Constipation
Drugs - sedatives, diuretics
Metabolic abnormalities - hypoglycaemia
Major surgery
Progression of disease
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7
Q

What are some causes of acute liver failure

A

Drugs:-
Paracetamol
NSAIDs
Antibiotics - isoniazid, penicillins, erythromycin

Viral:-
Hep A and B

Pregnancy related:-
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy
HELLP - haemolytic anaemia, raised liver enzymes, reduced platelets

Malignancies:-
Lymphoma
Malignant infiltration

Vascular:-
Budd-Chiari syndrome - occlusion of hepatic veins that drain the liver
Ischaemic injury to the liver

Others:-
Wilson’s disease
Autoimmune hepatitis

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