5. Drug or Pregnancy Induced Liver Disease

Acute Liver Failure

Must not donate if:

• Under active investigation, treatment or follow up by a specialist
• Has received a liver transplant
• Has chronic liver failure

If the donor has recovered, is not on treatment and has been discharged from follow up, accept. If there is doubt about the diagnosis, refer to a DCSO.

Addiction and Drug Abuse 
Tissue and Organ Recipients

Liver failure may be acute or chronic. Acute liver failure (also known as fulminant liver failure) can be caused by drugs, such as paracetamol overdose, prescription medications, herbal preparations and ingestion of toxins. Liver problems can also occur during pregnancy e.g acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Acute liver failure can occur in an individual with no pre-existing liver disease. It is often reversible with full recovery if adequately treated. 

Chronic liver failure is caused by longstanding liver disease such as autoimmune liver disease, hepatitis, alcohol related liver disease, liver cirrhosis, haemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.