Liver failure electrolyte balance

No specific antidote has been shown to be effective in treating 1,2-dibromoethane intoxication once absorption into the bloodstream has occurred (Ellenhorn and Barceloux 1988). Intravenous infusions of glucose may limit the hepatotoxicity of 1,2-dibromoethane (ERA 1989b). During the recovery phase, a diet rich in vitamin B and carbohydrates may limit liver damage (Dreisbach and Robertson 1987 Lawrence and Michaels 1984). Hemodialysis may be needed to regulate extracellular fluid and electrolyte balance and to remove metabolic waste products if renal failure occurs (ERA 1989b). 

Drugs that can disturb fluid-electrolyte balance must be used with caution in patients with certain types of liver impairment. Diuretics, for example, are often required to treat ascites but can cause hypo-natraemia, hypo- or hyperkalaemia. A disturbance in electrolyte balance can lead to encephalopathy in susceptible patients such as cirrhotics or those with acute liver failure. Dehydration induced by diuretics is a common precipitant of hepatic encephalopathy. The mechanism is not fully understood, but could possibly be due to the reduced metabolism of hepatic toxins because of hepatic hypoxia [5]. 

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