12 Jaundice and LFTs Flashcards
What is jaundice?
Clinical manifestationof raised bilirubin
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/292/214/600/a_image_thumb.jpeg?1572776327)
What is bilirubin and how is it excreted?
Breakdown product of haem
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/292/214/654/a_image_thumb.jpeg?1572776429)
Excreted: urine and faeces
What are the 2 forms that bilirubin can be found in the body?
Unconjugated- bound to albumin not water soluble
Conjugated- in liver water soluble
The causes of jaundice can be divided into 3 broad categories. What are these categories?
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/292/214/741/a_image_thumb.jpeg?1572776630)
Why are the levels of unconjugated bilirubin high in prehepatic jaundice?
Increased degradation of haemoglobin
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/292/214/865/a_image_thumb.jpeg?1572776745)
- Bilirubin excretion fine*
- Hepatocyte function fine*
Give some causes of prehepatic jaundice.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/292/214/901/a_image_thumb.jpeg?1572776884)
Why is it so important to pick up jaundice in neonates?
High levels of bilirubin can damage neonate brain
Explain how hepatic jaundice is caused.
Reduced hepatocyte function
-reduced conjugating ability so mix of conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin
- Cirrhosis
- Acute liver damage
(see flashcards 11)
Why will raised bilirubin in post-hepatic jaundice be conjugated?
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/292/215/148/a_image_thumb.jpeg?1572777177)
Why will stools be lighter and urine be darker in posthepatic jaundice?
Obstructive cause- bilirubin goes to kidney instead of GI tract
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/292/215/196/a_image_thumb.jpeg?1572777290)
Give some causes of post hepatic jaundice. (3)
- Gallstones
- Biliary stricture
- Pathology of head of pancreas
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/292/215/373/a_image_thumb.jpeg?1572777372)
Identify intrahepatic pathology that can cause compression of the intrahepatic bile ducts.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/292/215/400/a_image_thumb.jpeg?1572777491)
Which LFTs give information about the function of the liver and which give information about liver damage?
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/292/215/433/a_image_thumb.jpeg?1572777707)
What does testing for albumin tell you about the function of the liver?
Liver’s synthetic function
- Low albumin contributes to ascites*
- Low albumin may also be linked to pathology in urinary system*
What happens to levels of ALT and AST if the hepatocytes are damaged?
Levels rise