Liver problems can arise for many reasons. Sometimes the problem is genetic. The immune system may attack the liver. Cancers can grow in the liver or metastasize to the liver from other organs. Drugs such as alcohol and high doses of Tylenol can damage liver cells. Infections such as hepatitis B or C are other common causes. The liver performs many important functions in the body. Complications arise from inadequate liver function.
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Other Infections
People with serious liver problems are at an increased risk of infections. They have an increased risk of infection of the blood, the lungs and airways and the urinary tract, including the bladder and kidneys. Some people with liver problems will develop fluid in the abdomen that can become infected, a condition called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. (See Reference 1 and 2)
Variceal Bleeding
Many blood vessels run through the liver. When the liver is damaged, the blood does not course through the liver very easily. In fact, it tends to get backed up into the blood vessels leading to the liver. Some of those blood vessels wrap around the esophagus and upper gastrointestinal tract. If this occurs, the blood vessels will dilate in the esophagus and are prone to bleeding from the increased pressure. Massive blood loss can occur through the GI tract because of variceal bleeding. (See Reference 3 and 4)
Splenic Sequestration
As the blood is backed up from the liver, it also enters the spleen. The spleen enlarges and traps white blood cells and platelets. A lowered white blood cell count can lead to infections. Low platelets make it more difficult for the body to stop bleeding. (See Reference 3 and 4)
Kidney and Lung Failure
For largely unkown reasons, liver problems cause dysfunction of other organ systems. Liver failure can precipitate kidney failure, a disease termed hepatorenal syndrome. Likewise, liver disease can cause dysfunction of the lungs, a condition known as hepatopulmonary syndrome. (See Reference 1, 3 and 4)
Edema
Edema refers to fluid build-up, or swelling. Liver failure leads to fluid build up in the legs. If the fluid build up is in the abdomen, it is termed ascites. Fluid build up in the brain is a dangerous condition called cerebral edema. It can restrict blood flow to the brain. (See Reference 1, 3 and 4)
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy occurs from the buildup of toxin in the brain. The liver normally clears toxins, but without proper functioning, levels of toxins such as ammonia build up. Symptoms may include fatigue and lethargy, coma, personality changes, confusion, changed sleep patterns, memory loss and trouble concentrating. In addition to natural toxins building up, the body may have trouble metabolizing drugs introduced to the system, so they are more sensitive to medication. (See Reference 3)
References
- Mayo Clinic: Acute Liver Failure: Complications
- American Family Physician: Cirrhosis and Chronic Liver Failure: Part II. Complications and Treatment
- National Institutes of Health: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse:
- "Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar et al; 8th Ed 2009
