Hepatic cell deficiency syndrome occurs when the liver is damaged, as a result of which this organ can no longer fully function. With the course of the acute form of the disease, competent therapy is required, as this can lead to death.
What is liver failure?
Minor liver failure is characterized by the occurrence of acute or chronic syndrome, which occurs when one or several liver functions are disturbed, accompanied by:
- metabolic disorders;
- impaired functioning of the nervous system;
- intoxication;
- hepatic coma.
The disease proceeds with the presence of obvious signs of damage to the liver cells. The formation of a hepatic coma can be an extreme degree of the pathological process. You can determine the presence of the disease during a comprehensive diagnosis. Fully describes the syndrome of liver cell failure "Propaedeutics of internal diseases." Having studied this book, you can learn about other diseases of the internal organs, the causes of their occurrence, symptoms, as well as treatment methods.
Disease classification
Syndrome of hepatocellular insufficiency can occur in a chronic and acute form. The chronic form of the disease occurs as a result of the development of cirrhosis of the liver and can last quite a long time. The acute form of the disease occurs quite sharply and suddenly, mainly with the viral course of hepatitis or as a result of poisoning, an overdose of medications. Each type of disease corresponds to several stages of the pathological process, namely:
- initial;
- pronounced;
- terminal;
- hepatic coma.
The acute form is characterized by the complete loss of the liver's ability to function. This disease can occur even in a completely healthy person. There are also several forms of the course of this disease, namely such as:
- endogenous;
- exogenous;
- mixed.
In some cases, the disease can be deadly. Hepatic cell failure syndrome is characterized by the death of tissues of this organ. After cell death, many dead components enter the bloodstream. You can determine their number by conducting biochemical analysis.
The main causes
Hepatic cell failure syndrome occurs for a variety of reasons. The main factors that provoke the onset of the disease include:
- liver disease
- bile duct obstruction;
- chronic diseases of internal organs.
In addition, the disease can occur as a result of drug and toxic poisoning, with abuse of alcohol. Various types of injuries and injuries can have a significant impact on the body.
Symptoms of the disease
The clinical manifestations of liver failure are quite pronounced, and all the signs of liver disease are characteristic of it. As a result of the pathology, the outflow of bile is significantly worsened. In this case, the total bilirubin increases significantly, which can be determined clinically by conducting a general blood test. The liver ceases to function fully, and its cells die.
One of the brightest signs of the course of the disease is the appearance of jaundice, the intensity of which largely depends on the level of damage to the biliary tract. However, if it flows into the chronic stage, then this symptom may not be. Other symptoms of the disease can also be observed, in particular such as:
- death of liver tissue;
- fever;
- the presence of a discolored stool;
- enlargement of the liver in size;
- circulatory disturbance;
- the presence of tachycardia;
- pressure drops.
With the progression of the disease, when the synthetic function of the liver is suppressed, the nervous system begins to suffer greatly, as the general cleansing function is disrupted. This means that there is a lethargic state or, conversely, excessive excitability, severe drowsiness, loss of consciousness, nausea, cramps of the extremities. In addition, there may be significant accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of hepatic cell failure syndrome is carried out comprehensively, as this allows you to determine the overall picture of the course of the disease. For the diagnosis, a variety of techniques are used. Initially, an anamnesis is collected to clarify the factors that triggered the onset of the disease.
In addition, biochemical diagnostics are carried out aimed at determining the level of bilirubin, the pathology of blood coagulation, the amount of protein, as well as many other disorders and indicators. An ultrasound of the liver is also required, which will help to accurately indicate the state of this organ. In addition, other types of diagnostics are shown, such as:
- tomography;
- biopsy;
- electroencephalography method.
A pathological violation of the liver is determined on the basis of indicators of total bilirubin, the presence of jaundice, a decrease in liver size, the presence of encephalopathy.
Features of the course of the disease in childhood
Syndrome of liver failure in children is considered a very dangerous disease, which often ends in death. In newborns, the disease develops due to insufficient production of enzymes.
This pathological disorder in babies is manifested by such fairly characteristic signs as inactivity, weakness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and heart rhythm disturbance. In the absence of urgent complex treatment, the child may fall into a coma. After he is discharged from the hospital, it is imperative to adhere to a certain dietary menu and consume vitamin complexes.
Hepatic failure during pregnancy
During the bearing of a child, liver failure is observed quite rarely. Pregnancy is an important stage in the life of absolutely every woman, since she is responsible immediately for two people. Among the main causes of liver failure during pregnancy, viral hepatitis and cirrhosis are distinguished.
With the course of the disease during the bearing of the child, there are signs characteristic of this ailment, which are eliminated during emergency treatment using saline, antibiotics and traditional medicine.
Treatment
Treatment of liver failure is a fairly long process in which all available symptoms are eliminated by conducting drug therapy, and a fairly strict diet is also required. With such a disease, competent treatment is required, and the patient is hospitalized in order to prevent complications.
The treatment is aimed at:
- detoxification of the body;
- hemorrhage;
- restoration of blood supply to the affected organ;
- normalization of liver function;
- improving brain function.
In addition, various medications may be prescribed. In a chronic disease, treatment is carried out only by traditional methods, since traditional medicine can only aggravate the situation.
In especially dangerous cases, liver transplantation is required. Without such surgical intervention, the survival rate of patients in the most recent stages is only 20%. The main danger is the formation of swelling of the brain and lungs.
Forecast and Prevention
With timely treatment, impaired liver function is completely reversible, and the prognosis is quite favorable. If you do not conduct competent therapy in time, then the patient may fall into the hepatic coma. With its deep form, a lethal outcome occurs.
Timely prevention is very important, which will help to avoid the occurrence of the disease. To reduce the risk of liver failure, a certain set of measures is needed to maintain the normal functioning of the liver. When taking medications, you must always adhere to the dosage and course of therapy indicated in the instructions. In addition, it is recommended to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed or completely abandon alcohol.
People with liver problems should definitely follow a special diet. In addition, it is important to follow certain precautions when working with paints, aerosols, as well as other chemical and toxic substances. Be sure to control your weight, as it can trigger the onset of hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Diet food
It is very important during the treatment to follow a diet that supports the normal functioning of the liver. It, together with other methods of therapy, allows you to fully restore the body, returning a person to normal life.
If you follow a diet, you must remember that daily nutrition should consist mainly of plant products. Be sure to exclude salt from your diet, as well as reduce the level of proteins and fats. It is forbidden to drink alcohol.
What can be the complications
Hepatic failure with improper treatment can provoke a number of complications. In particular, peritonitis, hemorrhage in the esophagus, and hepatic coma can be distinguished among them. The most dangerous complications can be cerebral edema, sepsis, cerebral hemorrhage.