Symptom 5: Hepatic Dysfunction – A Key Contributor to MODS
The liver, an organ that wears many hats, is vital for various functions including detoxifying harmful substances and aiding in digestion. Hepatic dysfunction or liver failure is a somber tune in the MODS symphony.
Initially, hepatic dysfunction might be asymptomatic or present vague symptoms such as fatigue or weakness. However, as MODS escalates, the liver’s ability to filter out toxins dwindles, leading to their accumulation in the bloodstream.
One notable manifestation of liver failure is jaundice, where a patient’s skin and eyes take on a yellow hue. This occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a substance normally processed by the liver. With the liver on the backfoot, bilirubin levels spike.
Additionally, the liver’s role in producing proteins that regulate blood clotting takes a hit. Consequently, patients may notice unusual bleeding or unexplained bruises. This occurrence highlights the liver’s compromised capacity to produce clotting factors.
In the late stages of liver dysfunction, patients may develop ascites, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. This is indicative of severe liver damage and, within the context of MODS, reflects the gravity of multi-organ failure.
The liver, often regarded as the body’s chemical factory, is integral to maintaining homeostasis. Hepatic dysfunction within MODS is akin to throwing a wrench into the gears of this factory, disrupting processes vital for life. (5)
