When visiting the 108 Military Central Hospital, the patient said he had no history of liver disease and did not drink alcohol regularly. After only 1 month of using herbal medicine to treat erectile dysfunction, he saw symptoms appear so he went to see a doctor.
After performing tests, the doctor diagnosed the patient with acute liver failure due to drug poisoning. The patient received medical treatment but did not improve, the disease progressed to grade 2-3 hepatic encephalopathy, risk of coma, and needed emergency liver transplant surgery.
Dr. Le Nam Khanh - Department of Surgical Resuscitation and Organ Transplantation, 108 Central Military Hospital said that the liver transplanted to the patient was from a brain-dead donor. Fortunately, after surgery and intensive resuscitation, the patient recovered and was able to be discharged from the hospital and return to normal life.
The Department of Surgical Resuscitation and Organ Transplantation has received many cases requiring liver transplant surgery due to the use of herbal medicines of unknown origin or the arbitrary discontinuation of hepatitis B virus treatment drugs. However, not many cases are as lucky as the above case, because the source of donated tissues and organs is extremely limited.
There are many causes leading to acute liver failure that threatens the patient's life. Patients need to improve their understanding to proactively prevent the disease.
"Another cause of acute liver failure comes from the arbitrary use of herbal medicines or unverified treatments. Although herbal medicines are widely available in the community and are often considered safe treatments. However, in reality, not all herbal medicines have clear origins or have been fully researched for their effects and safety. Some herbs or herbal medicines cause serious liver damage, and can even progress to acute liver failure - a disease with a mortality rate of up to 60%, if not detected and treated promptly," Dr. Le Nam Khanh added.
