This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Chronic liver failure

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Chronic hepatic failure occurs where there is a deterioration in liver function superimposed on chronic liver disease. The acute deterioration may be based on a number of pathological processes, including the underlying disease process itself or a different process which undermines the functional reserve of the liver such as infection, haemorrhage or electrolyte imbalance - especially hypokalaemia.

The actual deterioration in the patient's state may occur very rapidly - the patient may progress through confusion and stupor into coma in a matter of hours.

This sort of hepatic failure is also called decompensation, referring to the fact that previous problems with liver function had been well compensated.


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.