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Liver failure

Date: May 2011

Definition:

A definite diagnosis, by a Consultant Physician, of irreversible end stage liver failure due to cirrhosis resulting in all of the following:

  • permanent jaundice;
  • ascites; and
  • encephalopathy.

For the above definition, the following is not covered:

  • liver failure secondary to alcohol or drug abuse.

No change since April 2007

 

What does this mean?

The liver has many functions and is essential to life. Cirrhosis is due to long-standing damage to the liver caused by a number of conditions including viral infections, inflammation, biliary obstruction, alcohol and certain drugs. Liver failure results in jaundice (yellow skin), fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and damage to the brain (encephalopathy).

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