End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD)
in Denver

The first and second stages of liver failure (inflammation and fibrosis) can be reversed with proper treatment. Once cirrhosis develops, the progression of the disease can be slowed, but the scarring is still irreversible.

According to the CDC, in 2023, approximately 4.5 million people in the US (1.8%) had some form of liver disease, and about 57,000 people died from it in 2022. These deaths are mainly due to complications from cirrhosis. Deaths related to alcohol-associated liver disease have been steadily rising over the past 10 years and increased significantly during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How long someone can live with liver failure depends on what stage of liver failure they have, the cause of the liver failure, and the treatment available for the liver failure.

There are four stages of liver disease progression. The first stage is inflammation, where the liver may be enlarged and inflamed. The second stage is fibrosis or scarring, where scar tissue starts to replace healthy liver tissue. The third stage is cirrhosis, which occurs when scar tissue forms throughout the entire liver and may lead to liver dysfunction. The last stage is end-stage liver disease, where the liver scarring/damage is not reversable, and the liver cannot function properly.

Early signs of liver damage can include nausea and fatigue, but sometimes, patients experience no symptoms. Other early signs can include loss of appetite, discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.

Liver failure can be acute (sudden) or chronic (gradual in onset). Some symptoms of liver failure include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, pale stools and swelling in the belly or legs. For those with acute liver failure, symptoms may also include a change in mental status or confusion or sweet breath odor. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, contact our Lone Tree, Englewood, Castle Rock or Parker office to schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists.

Liver failure can be caused by a number of issues. Some of the causes include fatty liver or metabolic liver disease, alcohol related liver disease from heavy and continued alcohol use, viral liver infections, toxins, autoimmune diseases, metabolic conditions and certain cardiovascular diseases.

There are many ways to prevent liver damage and liver failure, including moderating your alcohol use, getting vaccinated for hepatitis B, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following instructions on taking medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol). You'll also want to have a physical every year with a screening for obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Once the liver has progressed to the end stage of liver disease, the liver is beyond repair. Treatment includes using medications to control the symptoms of liver disease or cure of the liver disease with a liver transplant. The SDG provider team has expertise in treating all liver diseases, including liver failure, so if you've been diagnosed with liver failure and are in need of a second opinion, schedule a consultation today.