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Pathology

Abnormal liver function associated with coagulopathy AND hepatic encephalopathy in a previously normal liver with onset within a 6 month period

Aetiology

Paracetamol Overdose, Antibiotics (Augmentin, Rifampicin), Mushroom Ingestion (Amanita Phalloides), Wilsons Disease, Autoimmune Hepatitis, Thrombosis Of Hepatic Vein (Budd-Chiari), Hepatitis B, Malignancy

Signs

Jaundice, ascites, bruising, asterixis

Symptoms

Drowsiness, confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), abdominal pain, abdominal distension (ascites) vomiting, easy bruising

Investigations

Bloods: LFTs show raised bilirubin, ALP, ALT and decreased Albumin. Clotting 
screen, Paracetamol level, Hepatitis serology, autoimmune profile
Imaging: Ultrasound Abdomen shows no blood flow into hepatic vein in Budd-
Chiari

Treatment

Dependent on cause
Paracetamol: N-acetylcysteine 
Drugs: Supportive and stop causative agent
Mushroom Ingestion: May require liver transplant 
Wilsons Disease: May require liver transplant 
Budd Chiari: May require liver transplant
Autoimmune: High dose steroid
Hepatitis B: Supportive treatment

Prognosis

Usually poor without liver transplantation 
Paracetamol, autoimmune hepatitis, antibiotic related most likely  improve without 
transplant
GI bleeding, sepsis, ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, portal hypertension

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Key References

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