What is fourth stage of liver failure?

Question

We went to the liver transplant doctor in Denver and were told that my sister is in the fourth stage of liver failure. What does that mean?

Answer 1

The fourth stage of cancer simply means that the cancer has spread to the pancreas and linf note and the doctors will probably try gemcitabine and oxaliplatin on him. Here is a site that offers a free subscription to Cancer-Free newsletter. It offers support on handling cancer gently. http://www.beating-cancer-gently.com/cancer-treatment.html

Answer 2

The fourth stage of liver failure is the last

stage of this disease. However, different

doctors May mean different things when they

state this) It means she has

cirrhosis of the liver which is death of the

liver cells and scar tissue formation inside

the liver that will block the flow of blood

through the liver on its way back to the heart

and also, block the flow of blood to the other liver cells and they will die off also.



When the cells of the liver die off, the

functions they do to keep the body well,

start to deteriorate. This is what it means

by liver failure...failure of the liver to perform

the over 500 plus functions, that need to be

done, efficiently. As more cells of the liver

die off, the more of the functions start to

disappear.



That means she will show more signs and

symptoms than before, also.



When the liver is unable to make a protein,

known as Albumin well, and it goes down

in the blood...then fluid will build up in

the abdomen...known as Ascites. This

fluid build up can be drained by a procedure

known as paracentesis.



Because the blood cannot flow through

the liver well anymore...it can back up into

smaller vessels not used to handling it.

These vessels can have weak spots and

break open and cause internal bleeding.

This condition is known as Portal Hypertension

and the vessels are known as varies.

If she starts to cough up blood or has blood

from her rectum...this is an emergency

situation. The doctor can go in a band these

varies in the esophagus and rectum if she

gets to the ER.



Because the liver isn't able to handle the

ammonia that develops in the body from

the breakdown of our use of proteins...

the ammonia will not get converted by the

liver into urea so the body can dispose of

it. It will stay in the blood and go pass the

blood brain barrier and into the brain.

This causes the patient to be easily

confused and disoriented. The doctor

may start her on a medication known

as Lactulose that will help remove this

ammonia from the intestines. It is important

to take it when this develops, cause the

build up can lead to her going into a coma.

This is known as Encephalopathy.



She should be evaluated for transplant.

Here are a few links that will help you

understand better her disease and

also help you come to know more

about the evaluation process and

transplant listing. (just have to click on them)

http://www.surgery.usc.edu/divisions/hep/patientguide/index.html

http://www.transplantliving.org/

http://www.medicinenet.com/cirrhosis/article.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cirrhosis/DS00373

http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/cirrhosis.html



Hope this information is of some help to you.

Answer 3

The fourth stage of liver failure is cirrhosis. This is the end stage. I assume there is no cancer involved since you didn't mention it, but if there is cancer, that would also be the end stage.



In the end stages, it gets to the point where medicines and treatments are no longer helping the patient. Their liver is no longer "compensating." Your sister will need a transplant soon. I hope she is listed and waiting. I had a transplant and am doing fine today.

Answer 4

It is the final stage of liver failure.

Liver damage that can lead to liver failure may be caused by hepatitis B and C, alcohol, autoimmune liver diseases, cancer as well as other conditions. The liver is the largest gland in the body and it's functions include bile secretion, initial absorption of nutrients, detoxification and metabolism of fat carbohydrates and protein.

All functions is loss.

The symptoms can be:

* Altered mood and behaviour

* Drowsiness

* Delirium

* Confusion

* Restlessness

and more

Answer 5

cheryl,

It depends upon what the cause of the liver failure is, as to what it means. I shall try to discuss this. In Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), the stages are -1. Portal stage with portal inflammation and bile duct abnormalities. 2. Periportal stage with periportal fibrosis, with or without periportal inflammation. 3. Septal stage with septal fibrosis and active inflammation. 4. Cirrhotic stage with nodules with various degrees of inflammation. In liver cancer, STAGE IV: Disseminated (diffused) This stage is divided in two sub-stages:- Stage IVA: In this stage, the cancer is present in more than one of the liver lobes, it may have spread to adjacent lymph nodes, organs (but not the gallbladder) and structures (like the peritoneum), and it may have spread into or around the main blood vessels (portal vein and hepatic artery). Stage IVB: In this stage, the cancer has spread to distal (situated farthest from origin point) organs and lymph nodes.



ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. - MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.



It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms.





The information provided here 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.











Hope this helps

matador 89

Answer 6

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Answer 7

im not exactly sure what it means but i think i do... i am not a doctor my medical knowledge doesnt surpass highschool health that much. Well. since failure stages in the medical world doesnt surpass 4 i would say... well sorry to say. your sister is screwed since its the last stage... never the best. i would say since your liver is responsible for detoxing your body and aiding digestion a bit. your sister will show symptoms of yellowing eyes and skin. and getting drunk easier for aloooot longer. probably not a good idea to try though... give her your liver? or some of it? its the most resliliant organs in the bodies of course. the human body had to find someway to cope with our alcoholic asses

Answer 8

It mean that Stage 4 is the most advanced stage and the growth of scar tissue has progressed to the point that it is not functioning normally. Whereas the previous stages are not normally associated with symptoms, advanced-stage cirrhosis has many symptoms, including bleeding in the digestive tract, jaundice -- yellow coloring of the eyes and skin, mental effects such as confusion, unusual sleepiness and slurring of speech, build-up of fluid in the body -- edema; and intense and unexplained skin itching.



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Hope this useful!

Answer 9

Illnesses and cancers are medically described in the form of stages. Stage 1 is the earliest stage and medical intervention has the greatest chance of being successful. Stage 4 is often passed medical intervention. When individuals are in stage 4 cancer, the family and patient often decide to stop chemotherapy and choose hospice. Hospice is when a patient is giving pain medications to ease the pain until they pass away.

Answer 10

Unfortunately, it is near the terminal phase. Do you have a prospect for a donor?



If you haven't seen it already you might begin to see a yellowish tinge to her skin. This is also a time when you might begin to see acites. It will be a build up of a large amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity. If it gets too much it will begin to impede her ability to breathe very well.



I hope your sister is under the care of a good doctor.

Answer 11

So sorry to hear that. My sympathy to you all.

Unfortunately it means the liver is almost unable to function. She is probably quite yellow with this from bile etc.Unless something is done ,if it can be, she cannot be saved.