A patient with liver disease may or may not be able to participate in sports at the level desired.
Considerations:
(1) presence of a communicable disease such as viral hepatitis
(2) risk of hepatic rupture
(3) ability to tolerate metabolic and nutritional stress
(4) level of hemostasis
(5) medications
A patient with hepatitis should be able to participate in most sports provided that (1) blood and body fluid precautions are taken and (2) wounds are properly covered. Prudence would dictate participation in sports where the risk of infection transmission is minimal. There could be an issue with liability for participation in a contact sport.
Hepatic rupture is related to acuity, relative size and level of impact. A patient with acute enlargement of the liver should avoid sport participation. A patient with a chronic liver enlargement may be at risk for hepatic rupture in contact sports.
A patient with mild liver disease should be able to participate in most sports. More severe liver disease could impair the person's ability to participate in strenuous sports. Hemostasis should not be an issue unless the patient has severe liver disease, in which case the patient should defer sports participation.
Low doses of acetaminophen may be acceptable for minor pains in a patient with mild liver disease, but its use should be limited.
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