Liver Dysfunction

LIVER DYSFUNCTION

Dysfunction of the liver may be divided into 4 categories that may coexist:

•         Hepatic failure occurs in the setting of hepatic necrosis secondary to acute liver failure, chronic liver disease, and hepatocyte dysfunction.

•         Portal hypertension occurs in the setting of cirrhosis or increased portal venous blood flow.

•         Cholestasis occurs in the setting of impaired bile flow due to hepatocyte dysfunction or biliary obstruction.

•         Cirrhosis occurs in the setting of hepatocyte injury and is usually an irrevers-ible nodular regeneration that is end stage.