Overview
Liver failure is a life-threatening condition where the liver loses its ability to function properly. It can be acute (rapid onset) or chronic (progressive over time) and requires immediate medical attention. Liver failure impairs vital processes such as detoxification, metabolism, and synthesis of essential proteins.
What Is Liver Failure?
Liver failure occurs when significant liver damage disrupts its ability to perform critical functions, including toxin removal, blood clotting factor production, and bile secretion. Acute liver failure develops quickly in a previously healthy liver, while chronic liver failure results from long-term liver diseases like cirrhosis.
Symptoms
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Severe fatigue and weakness
- Abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation (ascites)
- Confusion or altered mental status (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Swelling in the legs (edema)
Causes
- Acute viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, E)
- Drug-induced liver injury (e.g., acetaminophen overdose)
- Chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Metabolic liver diseases
- Vascular disorders affecting the liver
Risk Factors
- Chronic hepatitis infection
- Excessive alcohol use
- Use of hepatotoxic drugs or toxins
- Pre-existing liver disease
- Genetic liver conditions
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
Complications
- Multi-organ failure
- Severe bleeding due to impaired clotting
- Hepatic encephalopathy leading to coma
- Kidney failure (hepatorenal syndrome)
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Death if untreated
Prevention
- Vaccination against hepatitis viruses
- Avoidance of alcohol and hepatotoxic substances
- Early treatment of liver diseases
- Regular health screenings for liver function
- Healthy lifestyle to reduce risk factors
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea offers advanced multidisciplinary care for liver failure including:
- Hospitalization: Intensive monitoring and supportive care in specialized units.
- Medication: To manage complications such as encephalopathy and infections.
- Liver Transplantation: The definitive treatment for end-stage liver failure, with highly developed transplant programs in Korea.
- Plasma Exchange and Dialysis: Temporary support for liver function in acute failure.
- Nutritional Support: Tailored diets and supplementation to support liver recovery.
- Psychosocial Support: Counseling and rehabilitation for patients and families.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Continuous monitoring with imaging and lab tests to guide treatment.
Korea’s expert hepatologists and transplant teams provide comprehensive care designed to maximize survival and quality of life for liver failure patients.
