Prognosis and Duration of disabling effects

Acute hepato-cellular failure

Complete recovery may take place in some cases e.g. acute viral hepatitis.

Fulminant hepatic failure

The outcome is more variable. Severe and prolonged encephalopathy tends to have a poor outcome, as does the development of other complications.

Chronic hepato-cellular failure

The changes of hepatic encephalopathy may be reversible in some cases. However deterioration of liver function is likely to continue over months or years. Increasing jaundice is an adverse indicator in some types of cirrhosis. Ascites in association with cirrhosis reduces survival to 50% in the first year after its development, and to 20% at five years. 

In all cases - Indefinite award

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.