Risk factors
List 3 risk factors for acute liver failure
Older age
Female
Male
Diet
Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Substance misuse
obesity
What medication is commonly associated with acute liver failure when taken in high doses?
Acetaminophen
name 1 regular function of the liver
detoxification
protein synthesis
metabolism
bile production
What is a common sign of liver dysfunction that presents as yellowing of the skin and eyes?
Jaundice
list a lab value that we would check for in acute liver failure
ALT
AST
Bilirubin
PT and INR
Albumin
Ammonia
Glucose
ALP
Lactate
Electrolytes
Creatinine
BUN
WBC
Which age group is at higher risk for acute liver failure due to pre-existing liver conditions?
Older adults
List a type of med that can cause acute liver failure
Acetaminophen
Isoniazid
Antibiotics
Sulfa-containing medications
Anticonvulsants
list 2 things that happen when acute liver failure occurs
Hepatocyte injury and necrosis → infections and toxins can lead to cellular death
Inflammatory response
Impaired detoxification
Coagulation dysfunction
Disrupted metabolism
Inability to secrete bile
What symptom occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the urine during liver failure?
Dark urine
list 2 diagnostic tests for acute liver failure
Liver biopsy
Ultrasonography with Doppler
CT
MRI
How is obesity a risk factor for acute liver failure?
Obesity is a risk factor for both NAFLD and NASH, which can progress to liver failure.
What type of environmental toxin, often ingested in rural areas, can cause acute liver failure?
Poisonous mushrooms
In acute liver failure, why does the liver fail to clear toxins like ammonia?
Liver dysfunction impairs the urea cycle, causing the buildup of ammonia in the bloodstream.
Why do patients with acute liver failure often experience easy bruising and bleeding?
Due to a decrease in clotting factor production by the liver.
why would we check for lactate in acute liver failure?
Increased in lactic acidosis due to impaired metabolism and tissue hypoxia.
What genetic disorder causes copper buildup in the liver, increasing the risk of acute liver failure?
Wilson's disease
What autoimmune disorder attacks the liver and can result in acute liver failure?
Autoimmune hepatitis
How does the development of portal hypertension contribute to complications in acute liver failure?
Increased pressure in the portal vein leads to varices, ascites, and further liver damage.
What is a common symptom of liver failure related to fluid retention in the abdomen?
Ascites
What lab value is typically elevated in the blood during acute liver failure, indicating impaired detoxification?
Ammonia
Why is smoking a risk factor for acute liver failure?
Smoking increases oxidative stress in the liver and contributes to the development of liver diseases. Those who smoke are also more likely to develop comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, which can exacerbate liver dysfunction
Acute thrombosis obstructing the blood flow out of the liver increases the venous pressure within the liver, which causes ischemic damage and hepatocyte necrosis. This leads to portal hypertension and bile stasis that can further damage the liver. The hypoxia from ischemic damage and congestion causes cellular dysfunction and liver cell death, which results in acute liver failure.
Why do patients with acute liver failure often experience hepatic encephalopathy?
The liver’s inability to detoxify ammonia causes it to cross the blood-brain barrier, affecting brain function and leading to confusion, altered consciousness, and coma.
Why do patients with acute liver failure experience confusion or altered mental status?
Hepatic encephalopathy due to the buildup of toxins like ammonia in the brain.
Provides high-resolution images to assess liver parenchyma, vascular integrity, and bile ducts, particularly useful for detecting ischemic or infiltrative processes.