Fact 6: Hepatic Dysfunction – When the Body’s Detox Center Fails
The liver, the body’s detoxifying center, is another organ system that can falter during MODS. This failure, termed hepatic dysfunction, manifests as decreased liver function, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body.
Hepatic dysfunction in MODS can present with symptoms such as jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or eyes, and altered mental status due to the buildup of toxins. Laboratory tests revealing elevated liver enzymes, low protein levels, and poor clotting function can further indicate hepatic dysfunction.
The liver’s role in detoxification, protein synthesis, and blood clotting means that its failure can impact the body on multiple fronts. Accumulation of toxins can affect other organs, like the brain, leading to hepatic encephalopathy. Reduced protein synthesis and clotting factor production can cause bleeding problems, complicating the clinical picture in MODS. (6)
