Causes
This is also known as liquid courage and can cause people to make some pretty dicey decisions
ETOH
This is caused by a build up of bilirubin in the blood, resulting in a yellowing of the skin and sclera
Jaundice
This liquid medication aids in minimizing the production and absorption of ammonia in the gut.
Lactulose
Patients should be having 3-4 of these a day while on lactulose
Bowel movements
This virus is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, but is easily prevented through early vaccination
Hepatitis B
Patients experiencing this complication have a build up of ammonia and other toxins, resulting in an altered mental status which can even progress to a comatose state
Hepatic encephalopathy
You would transfuse this first if your patient's Hemoglobin was less than 7 gm/dl
PRBC
Due to the decreased ability to synthesize and store glycogen, this should be monitored closely in liver failure patients
Blood glucose
This is the most common cause of fulminant liver failure in Western Europe and USA
Drug induced liver injury
These are enlarged veins caused by portal hypertension and are at high risk for rupture, leading
Esophageal varices
This antibiotic stops the production of bacteria in the gut that produce toxins that can result in hepatic encephalopathy
Rifaxamin
This should be measured daily since cirrhotic patients have low albumin levels, leading to an inability to regulate intervascular fluid
Weight
This drug is the most common cause of drug induced liver inury
Acetominophen
This is a build up of fluid in the abdomen caused by venous congestion and low albumin levels
Ascites
This is given in medication form to aid in clotting of the blood, and can also be obtained naturally by consuming leafy green vegetables
Vitamin K
Due to a lack of clotting factors and, in some cases, the presence of esophageal varices, liver failure patients are an extreme risk for this
Bleeding
This virus is often transmitted through sexual contact and IV drug use but can be treated with antiviral medication
Hepatitis C
This can be seen in patients with advanced liver failure and is caused by portal hypertension and ascites, resulting in organ hypoperfusion. Symptoms include fatigue, decreased urine output, and elevated serum creatinine levels.
Hepatorenal Syndrome
This is the only true treatment or cure for liver failure
Liver transplant
If a patient's mental status progressively declines, this may need to be considered to protect their airway
Intubation