Warning of acute liver failure in the context of hepatitis B.

VTV.vn - Hepatitis B and cirrhosis can progress silently for many years, but when complications such as acute liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy occur, patients can be in critical condition.

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Doctors from the Emergency, Intensive Care and Toxicology Department of Nho Quan General Hospital ( Ninh Binh ) have successfully treated a case of severe acute liver failure on a background of decompensated cirrhosis due to advanced hepatitis B.

The patient was admitted to the hospital in a lethargic and agitated state, with pronounced jaundice, generalized edema, and abdominal distension. Laboratory results revealed several dangerous indicators such as very high bilirubin levels, severely decreased albumin, significantly reduced platelet count, and multiple elevated liver enzymes.

Doctors diagnosed the patient with hepatic encephalopathy, acute liver failure superimposed on Child-Pugh C cirrhosis and severe hepatitis B. This is a condition with a very high risk of death because the liver has almost completely lost its ability to perform vital functions for the body.

Immediately after admission, the patient received intensive care with transfusion of fresh frozen plasma, albumin supplementation, medication to support liver function, antibiotics to control infection, oxygen therapy, and specialized nutritional support. The treatment team closely monitored the patient's condition hourly to adjust the treatment protocol accordingly.

Following intensive treatment, the patient's condition gradually improved and they overcame the critical stage.

According to experts, acute liver failure is a particularly dangerous complication that can cause blood clotting disorders, bleeding, hepatic coma, multiple organ failure, and rapid death. Worryingly, hepatitis B and cirrhosis often progress silently, so many people only discover the disease when it is already in an advanced stage.

Doctors advise people not to be complacent if they experience symptoms such as jaundice, yellowing of the eyes, prolonged fatigue, unusual abdominal swelling, leg swelling, or altered consciousness such as drowsiness, forgetfulness, or lethargy. People with hepatitis B need regular check-ups, adherence to treatment, and frequent monitoring of liver function to detect dangerous complications early.

Source: https://vtv.vn/canh-bao-suy-gan-cap-tren-nen-viem-gan-b-100260520231638943.htm