When the liver is unable to perform its normal functions, which primarily consist of filtering toxins out of the bloodstream, liver failure is the result. There are two types of liver failure: acute, brought on by sudden and massive toxicity, and chronic, which is also known as cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis can be caused by a wide range of factors, including excessive and sustained alcohol consumption, autoimmune diseases, heavy metal poisoning and hepatitis B or C. In both cases, treatment with liver dialysis may be an option, depending on the extent of liver failure. Extreme cases may require liver transplantation, or be fatal.
