Why You Might Need a New Liver
Chronic liver disease: This is the most common reason for needing a new liver. Chronic liver disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
* Cirrhosis: This is a condition in which the liver is scarred and damaged. Cirrhosis can be caused by alcohol abuse, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other liver diseases.
* Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver. NAFLD can be caused by obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
* Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC): This is a condition in which the bile ducts in the liver are damaged. PBC is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.
* Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC): This is a condition in which the bile ducts in the liver are scarred and narrowed. PSC is an autoimmune disease that is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Liver cancer: Liver cancer is the second most common reason for needing a new liver. Liver cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
* Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is the most common risk factor for liver cancer.
* Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause liver cancer.
* Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause liver cancer.
* Alcohol abuse: Alcohol abuse can increase the risk of liver cancer.
* Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): NAFLD can increase the risk of liver cancer.
* Aflatoxin exposure: Aflatoxin is a toxin that is produced by certain molds. Aflatoxin exposure can increase the risk of liver cancer.
Other reasons: There are a number of other reasons why someone might need a new liver, including:
* Liver failure: Liver failure is a condition in which the liver is no longer able to function properly. Liver failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
* Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is the most common cause of liver failure.
* Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause liver failure.
* Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause liver failure.
* Alcohol abuse: Alcohol abuse can cause liver failure.
* Drug overdose: A drug overdose can cause liver failure.
* Metabolic disorders: Metabolic disorders are conditions that affect the body's metabolism. Metabolic disorders can lead to liver damage and liver failure.
* Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Autoimmune diseases can cause liver damage and liver failure.
If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may need to talk to your doctor about whether you are a candidate for a liver transplant.