Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure is a rare but severe condition in which the liver suddenly loses its ability to function properly. It can develop within days or weeks and requires immediate medical attention.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is different from chronic liver disease, which progresses over months or years. Without prompt treatment, ALF can lead to life-threatening complications, including brain swelling, organ failure, and severe bleeding disorders. For patients with irreversible liver failure, liver transplantation is the only life-saving option.

Acute liver failure can be triggered by various factors, including viral infections such as Hepatitis A, B, and E, drug toxicity such as overdose of medications, especially paracetamol (acetaminophen), autoimmune liver disease where the body's immune system attacks liver cells, metabolic disorders – rare conditions like Wilson’s disease, ischemic liver injury leading to reduced blood flow to the liver due to shock or heart failure, and toxin exposure such as consumption of poisonous substances, including certain mushrooms or industrial chemicals.

The symptoms of acute liver failure can appear suddenly and worsen rapidly. Common signs include:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal swelling and pain
Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or coma (due to brain swelling)
Easy bruising or excessive bleeding.

Diagnosing acute liver failure requires urgent evaluation, including:

Blood tests to assess liver function and clotting ability
Imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) to check for liver damage
Liver biopsy in some cases, to determine the cause.

The treatment for acute liver failure depends on its cause and severity. Immediate hospitalization in an intensive care setting is crucial. Treatment strategies include:

Supportive care – monitoring vital functions and preventing complications
Medications – N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for paracetamol toxicity, antiviral drugs for viral hepatitis
Plasma exchange or dialysis to remove toxins from the blood
Liver transplantation – the only life-saving option for patients with irreversible liver failure.

At Karolinska University Hospital, our experienced team can provide comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Liver Transplant

Karolinska University Hospital runs one of the more extensive liver surgery units in the Nordics, and has a special assignment for liver transplants on behalf of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Both children and adults undergo transplants with excellent results at Karolinska. Liver Transplant

Center

Transplantation Center

We aim to significantly improve the quality of life for a vast number of patients with various diseases, as well as give new life to those for whom there is no other treatment.