Liver failure occurs when large parts of the liver become damaged beyond repair and the liver can no longer function. It is a life-threatening condition that demands urgent medical care and often occurs gradually over many years. Common causes of liver failure include viral hepatitis, long-term drinking of alcohol, malnutrition, diabetes, cirrhosis (or scarring of the liver from infection or inflammation) and medication that can act as a toxin. Malaria complications can also cause liver failure.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation