Liver failure occurs when a large part of the liver is damaged after being treated and the liver is no longer able to recover and function properly. Liver failure is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention. Usually, liver failure occurs gradually and over many years. However, a rarer case called acute liver failure happens quickly (in just 48 hours) and early signs can be difficult to spot.

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. This means that in Wilson's disease, the body receives two abnormal ATP7B genes (one from the father and one from the mother). Children with Wilson's disease will have disorders in the body's copper metabolism, leading to other dangerous diseases.