Hepatic failure
Liver failure is a morbid condition that impairs the functioning of the liver.
Hepatic insufficiency affects the homeostasis of the organism and leads to some complications that are sometimes fatal. The danger varies according to the type, stage and comorbidities.
Liver failure can be acute or chronic.
The acute one has a rapid and possibly reversible development. Chronic cancer is most often worsening and can develop into carcinoma (liver cancer).
The causes of liver failure are many and varied, for example: infectious, pharmacological or toxic, hereditary and autoimmune.
Symptoms, clinical signs and complications vary according to the specific case (cause, type, severity, etc.).
The therapy is linked to the specific etiology and also differs according to the complications (portal hypertension, esophageal varices, encephalopathy, ascites, nephropathies, coagulopathies, reduction of the immune system, etc.).
The liver is responsible for nutritional metabolism (fatty acids, cholesterol, glucose, etc.), for the oncotic pressure of the blood (circulating proteins) and for the production of bile. The "diet" factor has a "fundamental importance in the treatment of any pathology affecting the liver.
Diet
Dietary therapy for liver failure varies substantially according to the form (acute or chronic), severity and related complications.
The cardinal principles governing nutritional support are:
- DO NOT strain the organ
- Constantly supply all essential nutrients
- Increase the income of useful or therapeutic molecules.
Nutrition for liver failure is of the following type:
- Food for chronic forms
- Enteral or parenteral for acute forms.
Parenteral nutrition (drip) is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of infections.
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