acute liver failure

Question 1

What is acute liver failure?

Answer 1

acute hepatic decompensation due to massive loss of functional liver disease

Question 2

Clinical features of acute liver failure?

Answer 2

1. encephalopathy
2. coagulation disturbance
3. jaundice

Question 3

Acute liver failure - grade 1

Answer 3

1. fluctuant mild confusion
2. sleep disturbance
3. slurred speech

Question 4

Acute liver failure - grade 2

Answer 4

1. accenuation of grade 1

2. inappropriate behavior and drowsiness

Question 5

Acute liver failure - grade 3

Answer 5

1. marked confusion

2. patient sleeps most of the time but is rousable

Question 6

Acute liver failure - grade 4

Answer 6

Coma - unrousable

Question 7

What are the 4 main functions of the liver?

Answer 7

1. bile formation and excretion
2. carbohydrate metabolism
3. synthesis of proteins
4. removal of waste

Question 8

Name 4 main symptoms of loss of liver function?

Answer 8

1. Jaundice
2. Hypoclycaemia
3. Hepatic encephalopathy

Question 9

What are the consequences of loss of protein synthesis?

Answer 9

1. antibodies - impaired immune system
2. loss of albumin - oedema and ascites
3. loss of coagulation factors
   - increased PT and clotting time
   - bruising