What is Acute Liver Failure?

Acute Liver Failure (ALF) is a serious and life-threatening condition where the liver suddenly stops working. The liver is a vital organ that helps in digestion, removing toxins, storing energy, and fighting infections. When it fails, these functions are affected quickly, and the condition requires immediate medical attention.

Unlike chronic liver diseases that develop over months or years, acute liver failure happens rapidly, often within days or weeks, even in people who were previously healthy. If not treated on time, it can lead to severe complications and may even be fatal.

Causes of Acute Liver Failure

There are several reasons why the liver can suddenly stop working. Some of the common causes include:

• Viral infections such as hepatitis A, B, or E
• Overdose of medicines, especially paracetamol
• Toxins and poisonous substances, including some herbal products and alcohol
• Autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system attacks the liver
• Metabolic disorders, such as Wilson’s disease
• Severe infections or sepsis, which affect the liver
• Pregnancy-related complications like acute fatty liver of pregnancy

In some cases, the cause may not be clear, but early diagnosis and treatment can still improve outcomes.

Who is at Risk?

Acute liver failure can happen to anyone, but certain factors increase the risk:

• People who take medications without proper medical guidance
• Those with viral hepatitis infections
• Heavy alcohol users or those exposed to toxins
• Pregnant women with liver complications
• People with underlying medical conditions affecting the liver

Symptoms of Acute Liver Failure

In the early stages, symptoms may be mild and often go unnoticed. As the condition worsens, you may experience:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems (hepatic encephalopathy)
• Swelling in the legs and abdomen
• Excessive tiredness and weakness
• Bleeding easily, such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding

If you notice these symptoms, especially after an illness or medication use, seek medical care immediately.

How is Acute Liver Failure Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose acute liver failure through a combination of tests, including:

• Blood tests to check liver enzymes and other important markers
• Imaging scans like ultrasound or CT to assess liver size and damage
• Liver biopsy in some cases to confirm the extent of injury
• Checking for viral infections, toxins, or other underlying causes

Early diagnosis is crucial because treatment works best when started as soon as possible.

Treatment of Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure is a medical emergency and requires hospitalization. The goal is to support liver function, treat the underlying cause, and prevent complications.

1. Hospital Care and Monitoring

Patients are closely monitored in intensive care units where doctors check vital signs, liver function, and brain activity. Special attention is given to prevent complications like bleeding, infections, and brain swelling.

2. Medications and Supportive Treatment

Depending on the cause, doctors may give:

• Medicines to treat infections or viral hepatitis
• Drugs to reduce liver inflammation
• Nutritional support
• Fluids and electrolytes to maintain body balance
• Treatments to control bleeding and swelling

3. Advanced Procedures

In severe cases, advanced procedures may be needed:

• Endoscopy to manage internal bleeding
• Liver biopsy for detailed diagnosis
• Dialysis if kidney function is affected
• Liver transplant for irreversible liver failure

Liver Transplant – When is it Needed?

If the liver damage is too severe and the liver cannot recover, a liver transplant may be the only option. This involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy one from a donor. The process requires specialized care and is available at advanced centers like Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, where Dr. Tushar Madke, an expert in transplant hepatology, provides comprehensive care.

How Dr. Tushar Madke Helps

At Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, Dr. Tushar Madhav Madke, Consultant in the Transplant Hepatology Department, specializes in managing acute liver failure. With advanced training from ILBS, New Delhi, and practical experience in liver transplant care at Dr. Rela Institute, Chennai, and Midas Hospital, Nagpur, Dr. Madke offers expert care that includes:

• Diagnosis and management of acute liver failure
• Critical care support for liver-related emergencies
• Endoscopic, interventional, and intensive treatments
• Guidance on liver transplantation when necessary
• Patient education and counseling for long-term liver health

His approach combines skill, empathy, and the latest medical practices to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Prevention and Follow-Up Care

While some causes of acute liver failure cannot be prevented, you can lower your risk by:

• Avoiding self-medication, especially high doses of painkillers
• Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
• Reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding harmful substances
• Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle
• Seeking timely medical care for liver-related symptoms

Patients recovering from acute liver failure need regular follow-up to monitor liver health, prevent recurrence, and manage any complications.

Final Words

Acute liver failure is a serious condition, but with early diagnosis, expert treatment, and lifestyle management, many patients recover fully. At Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, Dr. Tushar Madke is committed to providing expert liver care using advanced technology and compassionate treatment. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of liver trouble, don’t wait—consult a liver specialist today to safeguard your health.

📞 Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tushar Madke and take the first step toward better liver health.