A number of patients who develop liver disease, develop the condition with no knowledge as to why they have the disease. However, researchers may be able to finally explain the reason behind the 15 to 20 percent of liver disease patients with unknown origins of their condition as a new genetic disease may be causing the liver failure.

Scientists with the Heidelberg University Hospital may have discovered the new disease, which causes the protective component of the bile within the liver to be missing, thus "the liver cells are exposed to the toxic components of the bile, resulting in cirrhosis of liver, a transformation of liver cells into connective tissue with a gradual loss of liver function," according to an article from Science Daily.

According to researchers, a mutation that can occur within the ABCB4 gene, which can begin during childhood as well as during adulthood, is hereditary and can cause the secretion of bile or toxic substances leading to eventual liver damage.

While most liver damage/liver failure cases are linked to a known cause, researchers explained that up to 20 percent of liver failure cases have an unknown cause and believe this new condition may be responsible for the unknown causes of liver damage among patients.

What is Liver Disease?

Liver disease occurs when "conditions, diseases, and infections that affect the cells, tissues, structures, or functions of the liver," according to the University of Illinois Medical Center.

One of the most common causes of liver disease among Americans is that of an over abundance of alcohol consumption/abuse, which can cause cirrhosis of the liver among 10 to 20 percent of heavy drinkers during a 10-year period. Individuals who feel they may suffer from liver disease and may be at an increased risk for liver failure should watch for the following signs and symptoms described by the University of Illinois Medical Center's health library.

* jaundice

* depression

* darkened urine

* lowered libido

* aches and pains in the muscles

* nausea/loss of appetite

* fever (low grade)

* unexplained weight loss/gain

* low blood sugar

* vomiting, diarrhea

* fatigue

* light-colored stools

* generalized itching

* abdominal pain in upper right of stomach

* malaise

Prescription Drugs Act as New Liver Failure Risk

Liver failure is commonly attributed to several various causes including the following:

* virus-induced liver inflammation

* alcohol abuse

* autoimmune disease

* metabolic defects

* congenital birth defects

* viral/bacterial infections

* trauma, injury

* nutritional deficiencies

In addition to these various causes of liver failure and liver damage, a new and potentially deadly cause has been linked to the consumption of the Ketek prescription drug. Only two years following the drug's release in 2004 did liver disease among patients begin being reported. The drug, which treats upper-respiratory bacterial infections, has been allegedly linked to 18 deaths and more than 100 cases of liver damage.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun investigating Ketek, but the investigation has not resulted in a recall of the drug. If a patient is at risk for the development of Ketek-induced liver disease, it is imperative that a medical professional is consulted. Additionally, it is important that those suffering from the Ketek dangers consult a pharmaceutical attorney regarding involvement in a potential Ketek class action, which may result in the award of monetary compensation for damages that have occurred.

Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley