A deficiency of blood supply to the liver that causes injury to liver cells.
Alternative Names
Ischemic hepatitis; Shock liver
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Low blood pressure from any cause, including heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, dehydration, severe bleeding, and infection.
Signs and tests
AST and ALT levels in the blood typically rise 1-3 days after the episode of low blood pressure.
Treatment
Treatment of any underlying illness and supportive care to keep the blood pressure and the blood supply to the liver 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.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health provider if you have persistent weakness or signs of shock or dehydration.
Prevention
Appropriate treatment of underlying diseases, including heart failure, infection, etc.