Reply #11: I sounds like it. [View All]

[Cobalt Violet]

J & J said:

"We believe the injuries sustained by the plaintiff," he said, "were caused by a pre-existing viral infection and not by Tylenol."

But not all liver failure is the same.

Check this out:

There are two forms of liver failure.

Acute Liver Failure. Also called Fulminant Hepatic Failure, this condition can develop very rapidly, in days or weeks. Common causes of acute liver failure include:

Exposure to toxic chemicals


Ingestion of poisonous mushrooms (Amanita Phalloides)


Hepatotoxic drugs, such as an overdose of acetaminophen; or an interruption of blood flow to the liver


Simultaneous infection (coinfection) by hepatitis A and C viruses, or hepatitis B and D viruses
Acetaminophen does not appear to damage the liver when ingested as prescribed, even when cirrhosis is present. However, when taken in large amounts, or with alcohol, it can cause massive liver damage and lead to acute liver failure.

Chronic Liver Failure. Also known as end-stage liver disease (ESLD), this condition usually develops slowly, over years to decades. Not everyone with hepatitis C infection will develop end-stage liver disease.


http://www.hepatitisneighborhood.com/content/understanding_hepatitis/complications_of_hepatitisc_145.aspx



I think most people with "pre-existing viral infection" would get the Chronic Liver Failure variety if their liver fails at all. That wouldn't be as sudden as what happened to your friend.


Edited to add one more thing:

Liver failure is a cause of kidney failure.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/acute_kidney_failure/page2_em.htm