Could liver transplant have played a role in Michelle Trachtenberg¡¯s death? Experts weigh in

Hollywood actress Michelle Trachtenberg, popularly known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, passed away at the age of 39. The news has sent shockwaves across the industry and among her fandom.

According to Marca's report, the body of the actress was found by her mother on Wednesday morning in her New York City apartment near Columbus Circle. However, no foul play has been suspected in the incident by the authorities, and the exact cause of death remains under investigation.

On the other hand, there have been reports circulating that Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant just months before her death, because of which she was experiencing complications linked to the procedure.

Michelle Trachtenberg struggled with alcohol issues

Amid the reports of the actress's death making rounds on the internet, there is no official cause determined yet.

As per Marca, some sources have suggested that Trachtenberg had struggled with alcohol-related problems, which can lead to severe liver damage and may also need a transplant. But can liver-related diseases lead to the risk of death? ¡°Liver-related diseases can lead to the risk of death, especially if not managed in time. Other conditions such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma can lead to death,¡± says Dr. Shrey Srivasatava, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, at Sharda Hospital.

Can chronic liver disease lead to death?

Chronic liver disease usually progresses gradually, and symptomatic identification often shows involvement of serious damage. Dr. Srivasatava further explains, ¡°A liver transplant is a life-saving procedure, however, it has the possibility of rejection of the organ, infection, or surgical diseases. Survival after the transplant depends on a number of factors such as the overall health of the patient, medication compliance, and the cause of liver failure.¡±

¡°The survival rate of liver transplants after five years is about 25 per cent; however, lifelong close check-up of treatment is crucial for the long-term success of the transplant,¡± adds Dr. Srivasatava.

Signs of liver problems related to alcohol

According to Dr. Bhumesh Tyagi, Senior Consultant-Medicine, Sharda Hospital, ¡°An alcoholic liver condition develops in some stages, such as first fatty liver +/- hepatitis and cirrhosis.¡±

• Symptoms such as tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain can be warning signals.
• At an advanced stage of liver damage, symptoms of jaundice, ascites, and dark urine become conspicuous may show up.
• Some people complain of easy bruising or skin itchiness because of the accumulation of toxins which are a warning sign.
• On the other hand, some people may experience a risk of internal bleeding which can eventually result in coma or death.
• Risk factors should be sought, especially when the patient is drinking alcohol often and notices such signs.

Risk factors that stem largely from alcohol consumption seek a favourable response to drinking at its onset to save the liver in its unimbibed state. A few lifestyle changes and medications may be included to manage symptoms and improve prognosis.

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