Liver failure: information & liver failure specialists

Liver failure is the cessation of liver function up to and including liver failure. Liver failure is usually chronic and can be divided into three stages, depending on the extent of the disease. Liver failure is caused by alcohol abuse, diabetes or obesity, among other things.

Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for liver failure.

Definition: Liver insufficiency

Liver failure is the deterioration of liver function to the point of liver failure. As it progresses, some sub-functions of the liver initially fail, while others are still functional.

In the final stage of liver failure, all functions of the liver are affected.

Location and function of the liver

The liver is the body's central metabolic organ and is located above the right costal arch.

The main functions of the liver are

• the production of bile,
• detoxification,
• energy storage and supply,
• metabolism and
• the provision of creatine.

The liver is resistant to environmental toxins and has a high self-healing capacity. Nevertheless

• today's living conditions,
• powerful drugs,
• obesity due to poor nutrition and
• the global exchange of pathogens can

can lead to liver diseases.

The location of the liver in the human body © nerthuz | AdobeStock

Progression of liver failure

Liver insufficiency is characterized by

• inadequate formation of proteins,
• an inadequate detoxification function and
• reduced bile production

and is life-threatening in all cases. The course of liver insufficiency is usually chronic and leads to a scarred liver(liver cirrhosis).

One procedure that supports the liver in detoxifying the blood is liver dialysis.

Causes of liver insufficiency

Liver failure often develops due to

• adverse drug reactions,
• alcohol abuse,
• diabetes or
• obesity.

Other causes include inflammation of the bile ducts(cholangitis) or inflammation of the liver tissue caused by hepatitis viruses B, C and D.

Congenital liver diseases, such as

• the iron storage disease haemochromatosis,
• alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency,
• cystic fibrosis or
• forms of porphyria

are responsible for the breakdown of liver functions.

Symptoms of liver failure

Liver insufficiency is characterized by

• icterus(jaundice),
• hepatic encephalopathy,
• hepatorenal syndrome (kidney failure due to liver failure),
• disorders of blood coagulation,
• hypalbuminemia and
• disorders of the endocrine system

characterized.

The functions of the liver can be affected to varying degrees by degradation processes. The classification of liver insufficiency into stages takes into account the metabolic performance of the liver, its excretory function and the effects on the circulation.

Stages of liver insufficiency

In mild liver insufficiency, only some parts of the liver are affected. This functional impairment of the liver can be manifested by mild jaundice or ascites.

In moderate liver insufficiency, the entire liver is affected. The detoxification function, energy storage, formation of bile and metabolic functions are restricted.

Severe liver failure is the final stage of acute or chronic liver disease.

Diagnosis of liver failure

In order to be able to treat liver failure adequately, the primary cause must be diagnosed. Liver insufficiency is confirmed by

• selected laboratory values,
• Ultrasound examinations (sonography),
• computer tomography,
• magnetic resonance therapy and
• possibly a liver puncture.

Treatment of liver insufficiency

The treatment of liver failure is linked to the underlying disease. Liver dialysis detoxifies the blood and can lead to a short-term improvement in liver function.

In particularly severe cases, a liver transplant may be considered.