Acute liver disease
Hepatic disease
Acute liver disease includes conditions like acute hepatitis and acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)
What is acute liver disease?
Examples of acute liver disease include acute viral hepatitis, acute alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) and acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP).
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of acute liver disease? icon plus
In acute viral hepatitis, you may have no symptoms at all, or you may have symptoms such as:
- loss of appetite
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- pain or tenderness where your liver is
- jaundice
- dark urine
In alcohol-related hepatitis, your liver becomes inflamed, swollen and tender. It can affect you suddenly, after a period of binge drinking for example, and can cause your liver to fail.
Some women develop a type of fatty liver in the final trimester of pregnancy ‒ this is acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP). Symptoms are often non-specific, such as:
- nausea and vomiting
- lack of appetite
- abdominal pain and indigestion
- fatigue
- jaundice
- excessive thirst
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How is acute liver disease diagnosed? icon plus
Your consultant may ask you about your symptoms, if any. If, for instance, hepatitis A is suspected, they may ask if you have been travelling. A blood test will be done to check for antibodies, and liver function tests (LFTs), a type of blood test, to check for liver inflammation may also be required.
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) has been linked to an inherited enzyme deficiency called long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD). Your consultant may ask you and your partner about both your medical and family history. You may also be advised to do LFTs, as well as an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan in order to detect any liver abnormality. -
What treatments are available for acute liver disease? icon plus
Depending on your diagnosis, your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you and help to determine the best approach for you.
If you have mild acute viral hepatitis:- You'll probably recover in four to eight weeks with no special treatment.
- You may be advised not to drink alcohol or take certain drugs until you are well.
For severe acute viral hepatitis, you may need:
- To be cared for in the hospital.
- Antiviral medicines to help kill the virus.
If you have AFLP, hospitalisation is usually required so that your blood clotting and glucose levels can be monitored, in preparation for your baby's delivery. Birth by caesarean may be recommended.
Our liver consultants
From complex liver surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional hepatobilary care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Our locations
Our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics provide access to top liver specialists, experiences in all types of liver and hepatic conditions.
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The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
North Building, Circus Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 6DP
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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HCA UK at Docklands
2 Upper Bank Street, Canary Wharf
London
E14 5EE
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344