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By Mayo Clinic staffIf your doctor suspects you may be experiencing acute liver failure, you'll likely be admitted to a hospital for treatment. Most people with acute liver failure are treated in an intensive care unit.
Questions to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will ask you or your family members a number of questions to try to determine what may have caused your acute liver failure. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- What prescription medications do you take?
- What over-the-counter medications do you take?
- What herbal supplements do you take?
- Do you use illegal drugs?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with hepatitis?
- Do you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts?
- How much alcohol do you drink?
- Have you recently started taking any new medications?
- Do you take acetaminophen? How much?
- Do liver problems run in your family?
Questions to ask your doctor
If you have been diagnosed with acute liver failure, here are some questions to ask the doctor:
- What caused my acute liver failure?
- What are the chances that my acute liver failure can be reversed?
- What are the treatments for acute liver failure?
- Will I need a liver transplant?
- Does this hospital have a liver transplant unit?
- Should I be transferred to a hospital that performs liver transplants?
References
- Polson J, et al. AASLD position paper: The management of acute liver failure. Hepatology. 2005;41:1179.
- Fontana RJ. Acute liver failure. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&about=true&uniqId=229935664-2192. Accessed May 27, 2011.
- An introduction to liver care. American Liver Foundation. http://www.liverfoundation.org/downloads/alf_download_29.pdf. Accessed May 27, 2011.
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