Liver failure is the final stage of liver disease. By definition, liver failure occurs when the liver is so diseased, and functioning so poorly, that encephalopathy is evident. Any progressive liver disease can result in liver failure; examples include: acetaminophen toxicity, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and metastatic cancer of the liver. Other signs of liver disease such as jaundice, ascites, fetor hepaticus, and failure of coagulation indicate that the liver is having trouble performing its normal physiological duties, but it is not termed liver failure until the mental status changes appear. The liver is an organ in vertebrates, including humans. ... A disease is any abnormal condition of the body or mind that causes discomfort, dysfunction, or distress to the person affected or those in contact with the person. ... Encephalopathy is a container term for various conditions affecting the brain. ... Acetaminophen (USAN) or paracetamol (INN), is a popular analgesic and antipyretic drug that is used for the relief of fever, headaches, and other minor aches and pains. ... Cirrhosis is a chronic disease of the liver in which liver tissue is replaced by connective tissue, resulting in the loss of liver function. ... Hepatitis is a gastroenterological disease, featuring inflammation of the liver. ... When normal cells are damaged or old they undergo apoptosis; cancer cells, however, avoid apoptosis. ... Jaundice, technically known as icterus, is yellowing of the skin, sclera (eyes) and mucous membranes caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the system. ... Fetor hepaticus, also known as breath of the dead, is a condition of gastrointestinal mercaptan formation frequently associated with liver failure. ... The coagulation of blood is a complex process during which blood forms solid clots. ...

Treatment involves correcting any underlying cause, if this is possible. Liver dialysis is evolving as a treatment modality and is pending approval by regulators in the USA. The definitive treatment for liver failure is transplantation. Medications, such as lactulose, can be given to relieve the symptoms of liver failure. The liver is an organ in vertebrates, including humans. ... Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used in the treatment of liver disease and constipation. ...

External link

• Concerns about liver failure from Handbook for Mortals
• Acute Hepatic Failure - emedicine.com article.
• Fulminant Hepatic Failure - emedicine.com article.