Liver failure

[Dianne]

Liver failure is severe deterioration in liver function.

Liver failure is caused by a disorder or substance that damages the liver.
Most people have jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), feel tired and weak, and lose their appetite.
Other symptoms include accumulation of fluid within the abdomen (ascites) and a tendency to bruise and bleed easily.
Doctors can usually diagnose liver failure based on symptoms and results of a physical examination and blood tests.
Treatment usually involves controlling protein consumption, limiting sodium in the diet, completely avoiding alcohol, and treating the cause, but sometimes liver transplantation is required.

(See also Overview of Liver Disease.)