The National Association for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) describes a condition known as alcohol liver disease (ALD), which can be caused by heavy drinking. ALD is potentially fatal and includes three conditions: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. In patients with severe ALD, alcohol causes such serious damage to the liver that liver failure results.
High Liver Enzymes
One sign of alcoholic liver failure is very high levels of liver enzymes. One of these enzymes is called gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). According to the NIAAA, a high level of GGT is the best indicator of alcohol toxicity and liver damage. However, the NIAAA also notes that GGT is elevated in the liver when other drugs are consumed, so it may not be specific to alcohol. Another sign that the liver may be damaged is a very high level of another liver enzyme called aspartate aminotransferase (AST), especially in relation to a third liver enzyme called alanine amino transferase (ALT). The NIAAA reports that doctors often check the ratio of AST to ALT when alcoholic liver failure is suspected. A ratio of 2 or more often indicates the liver is severely damaged.
Skin Symptoms
According to the Merck Manual of Medical Information, one of the most visible signs of liver failure is jaundice. Jaundice is characterized by a yellowish tint in the whites of the eyes, and a yellow discoloration of the skin. Other changes in the skin are possible as well, such as red palms, itching, bright red complexion, and visible thin blood vessels on the face and chest.
Liver Symptoms
Merck also reports that signs of liver failure may be most apparent when examining the liver itself. Enlargement of the liver is common during liver failure. During liver failure, the liver is now in the stage of liver cirrhosis, in which scar tissue replaces normal liver tissue. Due to fluid retention, the abdomen may be distended and may feel tender or painful. If toxic substances build up in the body due to liver failure, Merck reports that a condition called hepatic encephalopathy is possible. This is a condition in which brain function is affected by the buildup of toxins. Changes in mental state can occur, such as confusion.
