Liver failure

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

Acute necrotising hepatitis leading to cell destruction

Question 2

outline the 3 types

Answer 2

• fulminant liver failure- encephalopathy develops within 1 week
• acute liver failure- encephalopathy develops within 2-4weeks
• subacute liver failure – encephalopathy develops within 4-8weeks

Question 3

Aetiology?

Answer 3

• viral hepatitis
• infections
• drugs
• alcohol
• toxins
• ischaemic
• malignancy

Question 4

Mx?

Answer 4

• supportive rx in ICU
• liver transplant