Reactive hepatopathy. Liver signs without primary liver disease.

"Reactive hepatopathy" is the term that defines a common clinical syndrome seen in seriously ill patients with disorders other than primary hepatobiliary disease. A variety of factors, including circulatory changes, metabolic stress, increased bilirubin formation, and especially uncontrolled sepsis, may lead to marked changes in parameters of liver function and frequently to frank jaundice. It is important for the practitioner to be aware of this syndrome and to avoid being distracted into spending undue time and resources in investigating the liver and biliary tree. Otherwise, there may be crucial delay in treating underlying abnormalities.