|
Hepatic ischemia |
| Definition: |
| Hepatic ischemia is a deficiency of blood or oxygen supply to the liver that causes injury to liver cells.
|
| Alternative Names: |
| Ischemic hepatitis; Shock liver |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
|
Low blood pressure resulting from any condition -- including heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, dehydration, severe bleeding, and infection-- can lead to hepatic ischemia. |
| Symptoms: |
|
If the low blood pressure continues for an extended period, the patient may feel weak and lightheaded. However, the period of low blood pressure may be brief and produce no symptoms at the time. The damage to the liver cells is generally without symptoms as well. |
| Signs and tests: |
|
Blood levels of liver enzymes such as AST and ALT typically rise 1-3 days after the episode of low blood pressure. Another enzyme in the blood, LDH, is also usually quite elevated. |
| Treatment: |
|
Treatment depends on the cause of the low blood pressure, which must be addressed to keep the liver's blood supply stable. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
|
Patients generally recover if the underlying illness can be treated. Death from liver failure as a result of hepatic ischemia is very rare. |
| Complications: |
|
Liver failure is a possible but rare complication that can lead to death. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
|
See your health care provider urgently if you have persistent weakness or signs of shock or dehydration. |
| Prevention: |
|
Prompt treatment of underlying causes of low blood pressure may prevent hepatic ischemia. |
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 |
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). |
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
