Overview

Liver failure, also called hepatic failure, describes the loss of vital liver functions when the organ can no longer maintain metabolic, synthetic and detoxification tasks. The liver produces proteins and clotting factors, processes nutrients and clears many toxins and drugs. When these functions are lost the body develops signs ranging from jaundice to bleeding and altered mental status. For basic anatomy and normal function see liver resources.

Types and common causes

Clinicians distinguish acute liver failure, which develops rapidly in a previously healthy liver, from chronic liver failure, which arises after long-term liver injury. Typical causes include:

  • Acute insults such as drug toxicity (for example acetaminophen overdose), viral hepatitis, or vascular events.
  • Chronic conditions like long-standing viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and autoimmune disorders.
  • Metabolic and genetic diseases that impair liver function over time.

Further reading on metabolic roles is available at metabolism and protein synthesis.

Clinical features, diagnosis and management

Symptoms often include jaundice, abdominal discomfort, swelling, confusion or drowsiness (from hepatic encephalopathy) and easy bruising from reduced clotting proteins. Evaluation combines laboratory tests (liver enzymes, bilirubin, clotting tests) with imaging and sometimes biopsy. Management depends on cause and severity: supportive care, treating the precipitating cause, specific antidotes where available, and organ support in intensive care. In advanced or irreversible cases liver transplantation may be considered.

Importance, prognosis and prevention

Prognosis varies widely: some acute cases reverse with prompt treatment, while chronic failure progresses gradually and can lead to life-threatening complications such as infections or kidney dysfunction. Prevention focuses on reducing risk factors—vaccination against viral hepatitis, avoiding excess alcohol, careful use of medications and managing metabolic conditions. For guidance on acute care pathways and referral decisions see acute liver failure and chronic liver disease.

Notable distinctions: acute liver failure is a medical emergency with rapid deterioration, whereas chronic liver failure often offers windows for intervention to slow or halt progression. Patients with any concerning symptoms should seek prompt medical evaluation.