Toxic Bile Causes Liver Failure

According to the new medical reports from the science and medical communities, a new genetic condition may be responsible for 15 to 20 percent cases of liver damage and liver failure in the individuals.

According to an article published in Science Daily, scientists at the Heidelberg University Hospital found a new disease, which is responsible for removing the protective part within the liver to be missing. Therefore, “the liver cells are exposed to the toxic components of the bile, resulting in cirrhosis of liver, a transformation of liver cells into connective tissue with a gradual loss of liver function.”

According to the researchers, a mutation occurring within the ABCB4 gene is hereditary or genetic and is responsible for the secretion of toxic substances causing liver damage. This mutation can start during adulthood as well as during childhood. Most cases of the liver failure or liver damage are associated to a known cause, however, 20 percent cases of liver failure have unknown causes. According to researchers, there is high possibility that this new condition is responsible for liver damages.

Defining Liver Disease

According to the University of f Illinois Medical Center, liver problems occurs when “conditions, diseases, and infections that affect the cells, tissues, structures, or functions of the liver.”

The most common causes of liver disease or liver damage among Americans are the excessive consumption of alcohol or alcohol abuse. 10 to 20 percent of heavy drinkers can suffer from cirrhosis of liver over the period of 10 years. According to the University of Illinois Medical Center’s health library, individuals who fear that they are at an increased risk of liver failure or are suffering from liver disease should carefully monitor the following symptoms:

• Malaise
• Generalized itching
• Fatigue
• Low blood sugar
• Fever
• Depression
• Light colored stools
• Lower libido
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea/vomiting
• Upper right side stomach pain
• Jaundice
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• pains and aches in the muscles
• darkened urine
• diarrhea

Prescription drugs – New Risk for Liver Failure

Several factors are associated with liver failure including following:

• Congenital birth defects
• Alcohol abuse
• Injury, trauma
• Autoimmune disease
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Virus-induced liver inflammation
• Metabolic defects
• Bacterial or viral infections

Additionally, a new prescription drug, Ketek has been associated with the liver failure. Ketek was introduced for the market use in 2004. Within two years of its market release,

there were reports of liver failure among the patients taking Ketek. It is used for the treatment of bacterial infections in the upper respiratory system. In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory about the dangers associated with the use of Ketek but did not recall the drug.

Individuals who believe that they are suffering from the side effects of Ketek should consult a medical professional to receive timely treatment. Further, they should seek the advice of a pharmaceutical attorney who will assist in taking a legal action against the company manufacturing the drug.