Stages of Liver Failure: Symptoms and End-of-Life Care

What are the last stages of liver failure like, and which symptoms indicate terminal disease? Understanding the progression of hepatic failure is essential for providing effective care and support during advanced liver disease.

What Are the Last Stages of Liver Failure?

Published Aug,14 2017 | By Sharon Perkins

The last stage of liver failure, cirrhosis, usually develops over a number of years-- although acute liver failure can occur. Cirrhosis can be compensated--meaning that the liver retains enough function to perform vital processes--or uncompensated, meaning that the liver can no longer carry out normal functions.