What Diseases Cause Liver Failure?

March 22, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Liver

Liver failure can be caused by various diseases and conditions that damage the liver and impair its ability to function properly. Some of the diseases and conditions that can lead to liver failure include:

  • Viral Hepatitis: Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver, eventually resulting in liver failure if left untreated.
  • Alcoholic Liver Disease: Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can cause inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis) and scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, which can progress to liver failure over time.
  • Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): These conditions are characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to inflammation and liver damage. In some cases, NAFLD and NASH can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.
  • Autoimmune Hepatitis: This is a chronic inflammatory liver disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the liver, leading to inflammation and damage. If untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.
  • Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as chronic hepatitis and long-term alcohol abuse. Cirrhosis can eventually lead to liver failure.
  • Genetic Liver Diseases: Certain genetic disorders, such as hemochromatosis (excessive iron accumulation in the liver), Wilson’s disease (excessive copper accumulation in the liver), and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (affects the liver and lungs), can cause liver damage and increase the risk of liver failure.
  • Liver Cancer: Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or cancer that has spread to the liver (metastatic liver cancer) can impair liver function and lead to liver failure.
  • Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Certain medications, toxins, and herbal supplements can cause liver damage and lead to acute liver failure or chronic liver disease if used in excessive amounts or over prolonged periods.
  • Acute Liver Failure: This is a rare but life-threatening condition in which the liver suddenly loses its ability to function, often due to viral hepatitis, drug toxicity, or other acute insults to the liver.
  • Biliary Diseases: Diseases affecting the bile ducts, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), can lead to bile duct inflammation, obstruction, and liver damage, ultimately resulting in liver failure.

Prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and management of the underlying disease or condition are essential in preventing or delaying the progression to liver failure. In some cases, liver transplantation may be necessary for individuals with advanced liver disease or liver failure.

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