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Updated: Aug 14 2017

Fulminant Liver Failure

Introduction
  • Liver failure + ecephalopathy
    • onset < 8 weeks post hepatic dysfunction
  • Caused by
    • Reye syndrome
    • Drugs
      • acetaminophen
      • methamphetamine
      • heavy alcohol use
    • infection (e.g. viral hepatitis)
      • 0.1-0.5% of patients with hepatitis B develop
      • In 15-25% of pregnant women with hepatitis E infection  
      • can be seens with Hep B and D coinfection
Presentation
  • Symptoms
    • vomiting
    • stupor
    • coma
    • death
  • Physical exam
    • jaundice
      • not typically seen in Reye's
    • hepatomegaly
Evaluation
  •  Labs   
    • ↑ or normal transaminases
      • depends on the cause
    • acidosis
      • pH < 7.3
    • ↑ PT time
      • due to ↓ synthesis of clotting factors from liver
      • coagulopathy always present
      • INR > 6.5
    • ↑ ammonia / azotemia
      • poor functioning of urea cycle in failing liver
Treatment
  • Manage labs
    • correct coagulation, acid/base, electrolyte, glycemic disturbances
  • Manitol
    • if cerebral edema present
  • Liver transplant
Question
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