Acute Liver Failure

Question 1

Acute Liver Failure

Answer 1

NB LFTs do not always accurately reflect synthetic function of liver s best assessed by looking at Prothrombin time and Albumin level

• Jaundice
• Coagulopathy
• Hypoalbuminaemia
• Hepatic Encephalopathy
• Hepatorenal Syndrome

Prothrombin time Increased
Albumin Decreased

Question 2

Acute Liver Failure - Causes

Answer 2

ALF describes rapid onset of hepatocellular dysfunction leading to a variety of systemic complications

Causes:

• Paracetamol OD (causes necrosis of hepatocytes, regeneration not possible > Panacinar Necrosis)
• Alcohol
• Viral Hepatitis (A or B, not C, causes apoptosis of hepatocytes = poss regeneration and recovery of hepatocellular function)
• Acute fatty liver of pregnancy