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*this results from inadequate [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] function
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==Introduction==
*occurs even though the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] has a large functional reserve and a high regenerative capacity
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Liver failure results from inadequate [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] function. It occurs even though the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] has a large functional reserve and a high regenerative capacity.
===Causes===
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*low liver mass
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==Causes==
**the functional reserve is depleted
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===Low Liver Mass===
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With low liver mass the functional reserve is depleted
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NB: [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] enzyme levels in blood may not be markedly raised in chronic ongoing [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] damage because there may be few [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] cells remaining to leak enyzmes
 
NB: [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] enzyme levels in blood may not be markedly raised in chronic ongoing [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] damage because there may be few [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] cells remaining to leak enyzmes
*remodelling of the vascular and connective components after damage
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**this may lead to inadequate nutritional supply to the hepatocytes, thus reducing their function
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*impaired function of one specific or many of its diverse functions
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**eg failure of detoxification
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***aldosterone - a failure of its proper inactivation results in hypervolaemia since a feature of this hormone is to cause sodium and hence water rentention
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****this is a factor in the development of ascites
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***oestrogen - a failure of its proper inactivation will result in an accumulation of this hormone with atrophy of the genitals and an enlargement of the breasts in the male
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***plant pigments - failure to detoxify will lead to their accumulation in the tissues and photosenistisation may result if they are photodynamic
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**eg metabolic upset
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***the failing [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] is unable to convert ammonia to urea, resulting in a rise in the level of blood ammonia
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***lowered level of plasma albumin contributes to the development of ascites
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===Syndromes in liver failure===
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===Remodelling of the Vascular and Connective Components after Damage===
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This may lead to inadequate nutritional supply to the hepatocytes, thus reducing their function
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===Impaired Function of One Specific/Many of its Diverse Functions===
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'''1) Failure of detoxification'''
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'''Aldosterone''' - a failure of its proper inactivation results in hypervolaemia since a feature of this hormone is to cause sodium and hence water rentention. This is a factor in the development of ascites
 +
 
 +
'''Oestrogen''' - a failure of its proper inactivation will result in an accumulation of this hormone with atrophy of the genitals and an enlargement of the breasts in the male
 +
 
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'''Plant Pigments''' - failure to detoxify will lead to their accumulation in the tissues and photosenistisation may result if they are photodynamic
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'''2) Metabolic upset'''
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*The failing [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] is unable to convert ammonia to urea, resulting in a rise in the level of blood ammonia
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*Lowered level of plasma albumin contributes to the development of ascites
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==Syndromes in liver failure==
    
[[Icterus]]
 
[[Icterus]]
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[[Category:Liver - General Pathology]]
 
[[Category:Liver - General Pathology]]
 
[[Category:To_Do_-_Clinical]]
 
[[Category:To_Do_-_Clinical]]
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[[Category:To Do - Siobhan Brade]]
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