Liver Failure
| Definition: |
Severe inability of the liver to function normally, as evidenced by severe jaundice and abnormal levels of ammonia, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase, and reversal of the albumin/globulin ratio. (Blakiston's Gould Medical Dictionary, 4th ed) |
| Notes: |
if coma is present, index under HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY |
| Also Called: |
Fulminating Hepatic Failure |
| Previously Indexed: |
Hepatic Encephalopathy (1967-1992),Liver Diseases (1966-1992) |
Liver Failure Categories.
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Hepatic Encephalopathy - A syndrome characterized by central nervous system dysfunction in association with LIVER FAILURE, including portal-systemic shunts. Clinical features include lethargy and CONFUSION (frequently progressing to COMA); asterixis; NYSTAGMUS; brisk oculovestibular reflexes; decorticate and decerebrate posturing; MUSCLE SPASTICITY; and bilateral extensor plantar reflexes (see REFLEX, BABINSKI). ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY may demonstrate triphasic waves. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1117-20; Plum & Posner, Diagnosis of Stupor and Coma, 3rd ed, p222-5) |
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Liver Failure, Acute - A form of liver failure with rapid onset. It is often induced by the toxic effect of drugs and various toxic substances in experimental studies in animals and in clinical states in humans. If coma ensues, the constellation of neurological symptoms is referred to as HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY. |
Liver Failure Definitions and Terms
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