Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

MEDICINE > 13 - Hepatology > Flashcards

13 - Hepatology Flashcards

1
Q

What are the functions of the liver?

A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are some causes of unconjugated hyperbillirubinaemia and conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia?

A

Unconjugated:

  • Haemolytic disorders (e.g malaria)
  • Drugs affecting liver (e.g paracetamol)
  • Impaired conjugation (e.g Gilbert’s)

Conjugated

  • Hepatocellular dysfunction (e.g viruses like hepatitis and CMV, liver metastases, a1-antitrypsin)
  • Impaired hepatic secretion (e.g primary sclerosing cholangitis, CBD gallstones, Mirizzi syndrome)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are some drugs that cause drug induced jaundice?

A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

If a patient is jaundiced what investigations should you order?

A
  • Liver screen (inc albumin and total protein)
  • Paracetamol level
  • Urine to check for billirubin in post-hepatic jaundice
  • FBC, clotting, reticulocytes, malaria film, parasites, Coombs
  • Blood cultures
  • Hepatitis serology
  • US of bile ducts
  • Liver biopsy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the definition of liver failure and what are some causes of this?

A

Development of coagulopathy (INR>1.5) and encephalopathy

If occurs in previously healthy liver it is acute liver failure, however more often occurs on top of cirrhosis so chronic liver failure

Causes: infections, drugs, toxins, vascular, alcohol, autoimmune conditions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

It is important to distinguish whether liver disease in a patient is acute or chronic. What questions should you ask the patient in the history to work this out?

A
  • Any blood transfusions?
  • Any IV drug use?
  • Operations with dubious sterile procedures?
  • Sexual exposure?
  • Medications taken (prescribed/OTC)?
  • FHx of liver disease, diabetes and IBD?
  • Alcohol?
  • Foreign travel?
  • Obesity?
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are some causes of acute liver failure?

A
  • Drugs (e.g Paracetamol OD, halothane)
  • Viral Hepatitis
  • Amanita Phalloides mushroom
  • Wilson’s disease
  • Fatty liver of pregnancy
  • Malignancy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are some signs of acute liver failure?

A

Acute: jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, fetor hepaticus (sweet musty breath), asterix/flap, constructional apraxia

Chronicity: spider naevi, clubbing, ascites, palmar erythema

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is hepatic encephalopathy and how is the severity of it graded?

A

Decline in brain function as a result of severe liver disease due to a build up of toxins in the blood stream

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are some blood investigations you should do in suspected acute liver failure?

IMPORTANT

A

- FBC: often thrombocytopenia if liver fibrosis

- LFTs: ALT raised if hepatocytes damaged, ALP and gamma-GT raised if ducts damaged, albumin may be decreased

- Clotting: INR often increased

- Paracetamol Level

- TFTs, Lipids and Glucose

- Rest of liver screen: see image

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What other investigations should you order for a patient with acute liver failure after bloods?

A
  • Blood and urine cultures
  • Abdominal US of liver and pancreas
  • CXR
  • Doppler US of hepatic vein if Budd-Chiari suspected
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is included in an LFT panel?

A

Hepatocellular damage/Cholestasis:

  • ALT
  • ALP
  • AST
  • Gamma GT

Synthetic Function of Liver:

  • Billirubin
  • Albumin
  • PT/INR
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are some causes of an isolated ALP increase (no gamma GT increase)?

A
  • Metastases or primary bone tumours
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Recent bone fractures
  • Renal osteodystrophy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are some causes of an isolated rise of billirubin (no derangement of ALT/ALP)?

A
  • Haemolysis
  • Gilbert Syndrome
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are some causes of the following:

ALT>AST

AST>ALT

A
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Cirrhosis and Acute alcoholic hepatitis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

If an LFT panel shows a cholestatic abnormality, what test is carried out next?

A

Need to do an US to look for any obstructive jaundice, which would have dilatation of the bile ducts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are some causes of hepatic and cholestatic derangement of LFTs?

A

Hepatic: ALT raised mostly

Cholestatic: ALP and gamma GT raised markedly and ALT/AST slightly raised

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What might you find on abdominal US with cirrhosis?

A
  • Nodularity
  • Coarse texture
  • Splenomegaly
  • Ascites
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the immediate management of acute liver failure?

A

- Refer to critical care and nearest liver transplant unit as may need transplant

- Place urinary and central venous catheter to measure urine output hourly??? idk bout this one chief

- Treat the cause if known (e.g paracetamol poisoning) and complications

- 10% glucose IV 1L/12h to reduce risk of hypoglycaemia, check BM every 1-4h

- Avoid sedatives

- Haemodialysis if renal failure develops

- Provide nutritional support

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are some of the complications of acute liver failure and how are they managed?

A
  • Cerebral oedema
  • GI Bleeding/Varices
  • Encephalopathy
  • Hypogylcaemia
  • Sepsis
  • Renal failure
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the criteria for predicting poor outcome with paracetamol induced acute liver failure?

A

King’s College Criteria

If fulfill these criteria should promptly consider transplant!!!!

(pH<7.3, signs of encephalopathy, INR 3, plasma creatinine >200)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are some of the signs and symptoms of paracetamol overdose? (>12g/24 tablets)

A
  • Initially nothing
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • RUQ pain
  • Jaundice
  • Encephalopathy
  • AKI
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are some investgiations you should do for a patient coming in with paracetamol OD?

A

- Patient’s weight for treatment

- Paracetamol levels after 4h of ingestion and compare with treatment graph

- FBC and INR

- LFTs, U+Es, Phosphate

- VBG for pH, lactate, glucose, bicarbonate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

How is a paracetamol overdose managed initially?

A

<4hours since OD: activated charcoal

4 hours: take glucose, U+Es, LFT, INR, ABG, FBC, HCO3, paracetamol level

<10-12h after OD and paracetamol level over treatment line: 3 consecutive acetylcysteine IV infusions over 20 hours, checking paracetamol levels at end of 2nd infusion

>8-24h after OD and suspect large OD: acetylcysteine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What are some adverse reactions to N-acetylcysteine and how can you treat this adverse reaction?

A

Adverse effects: Nausea, vomiting, flushing, urticarial rash, angioedema, tachycardia, bronchospasm

Treatment: stop infusion, give H1 antihistamine, give salbutamol neb if required, restart when reaction settled, give antiemetics prophylactically next time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

How is paracetamol overdose managed after acetylcysteine administration?

A
  • Next day do INR, U+Es, LFTs. Continue Acetylcysteine until INR<1.4
  • Discuss with liver team and specialist liver unit guided by King’s college criteria
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is hepatorenal syndrome?

A

Progressive renal failure associated with cirrhosis or acute liver failure

Renal vasoconstriction leads to renal failure. Need liver transplant!

Can treat temporarily with TIPPS, terlipressin, haemodialysis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What are some causes of chronic liver disease?

A

Eventually lead to cirrhosis:

- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

- Viral hepatitis (Hep B and C)

  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • PBC
  • PSC
  • Haemochromatosis
  • Wilsons
  • Antil LKM
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

How does alcoholic liver disease progress?

A

- Fatty liver: reversible

- Alcoholic Hepatitis

- Cirrhosis: will show mallory bodies and neutrophil infiltrates on biopsy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What are some signs of alcohol withdrawal?

A

Starts 10-72h after last drink:

  • Tachycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Tremor
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Delirium tremens
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What medication should you give to a withdrawing alcoholic that is admitted as an inpatient?

A
  • Chlordiazepoxide (benzodiazepine)IM or Lorazepam IM
  • Pabrinex or Oral Thiamine
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

How do you screen for unhealthy alcohol use quickly?

A

CAGE

  • Ever felt you need to cut down on drinking?
  • Have people annoyed you by criticising your drinking?
  • Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
  • Ever had an eye-opener in the morning?
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

How may a patient with alcoholic hepatitis present and how may their bloods present?

A

Patient: malaise, raised RR/HR/Temp, anorexia, tender hepatomegaly, jaundice, bleeding, ascites, encephalopathy

Bloods: increased INR, thrombocytopenia, increased AST, raised MCV, raised WCC, raised urea

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What would indicate severe alcoholic hepatitis when looking at a patient?

A
  • Jaundice
  • Encephalopathy
  • Bleeding
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

How should we manage alcoholic hepatitis?

A

- Screen for infections and ascitic tap

- Stop alcohol consumption immediately and give chlordiazepoxide IV or lorazepam IM for withdrawals

- Vitamin K, Thiamine (or Pabrinex)

- Optimise nutrition

- Consider steroids if severe disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What score is used to assess mortality in alcoholic liver disease?

A

Maddrey Score

  • Prothrombin time
  • Billirubin

If Maddrey>31 and encephalopathy give prednisolone!!!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What blood result can indicate hepatorenal syndrome developing?

A

Raising creatinine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is NAFLD?

A

Increased fat in hepatocytes that cannot be attributed to other causes. Can be seen on US

Can progress to cirrhosis so need biopsy and elastography.

Raised ALT

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

How is NAFLD managed?

A

- Control risk factors e.g bariatric surgery for obesity, control diabetes

- Address CVD risk

- Avoid alcohol

- Monitor for complications e.g cirrhosis, NASH, DM

  • If cirrhotic screen for HCC with US and AFP twice yearly
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Apart from Hep B/Hep C, what are some other infective causes of hepatitis?

A
  • EBV
  • CMV
  • Malaria
  • Syphillis
  • Yellow fever
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What are the following for Hepatitis A:

  • Spread
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
A
  • Very rare to develop chronic infection!
  • Incubation 2-6 weeks
  • Can get immunised IM as a child
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are the following for Hepatits B?

  • Spread
  • Symptoms
  • Incubation
A
43
Q

What are some antigens/antibodies tested for in a Hepatitis B infection and what do they mean?

A

HBsAg: present first 1-6months after exposure

HBeAg: high infectivity, 1-3 months adter acute illness

HBcAb: implies past infection

HBsAb: implies vaccination if no core antibody found too

Can also do liver biopsy and US elastography to look for liver damage

44
Q

What does it mean if HbsAg persists for over 6 months?

A

Defines carrier status so chronic infection

45
Q

How is hepatitis B managed?

A

Aim is to clear HBsAg and prevent cirrhosis and HCC

  • Avoid alcohol
  • Immunise sexual contacts
  • Fluids and pain relief for acute
  • Refer for antivirals and peginterferon alfa 2-a if chronic liver inflammation or cirrhosis. Can consider liver transplant to
46
Q

What are some of the complications of hepatitis B?

A
  • Acute liver failure
  • Cirrhosis
  • HCC
  • Cholangiocarcinoma
  • Membranous nephropathy
47
Q

If someone has had exposure to Hep B what is the management?

A
  • Can give vaccine if not already vaccinated up to 12 hours after exposure
  • Hep B serology
48
Q

What are the following for hepatitis C:

  • Spread
  • Symptoms
  • Risk factors for progression
A

Incubation of 6-8 weeks

49
Q

What investigations are done to diagnose Hep C?

A

- Anti-HCV confirms exposure

- HCV-PCR confirms ongoing infection

- Liver biopsy or US elastography if HCV-PCR positive to assess liver damage

- Raised LFTs

GOLDSTANDARD IS HEPC RNA G fuk the rest of this card

50
Q

What are some complications of Hep C?

A
  • Cirrhosis
  • HCC
  • Liver failure
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Polymyositis
51
Q

How is Hep C managed?

A

- Avoid alcohol

- Start antivirals ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for 8-12 weeks

- Test for HIV and treat this as HIV increases rate of HCV induced liver cirrhosis

- Tell patient they can catch it again, there is no vaccine and no immunity from already having it

52
Q

What is hereditary haemochromotosis?

A

Autosomal recessive disorder where there is increased intestinal iron absorption so increased iron deposition in joints, liver, heart, pancreas, pituitary, adrenals and skin

53
Q

How may a patient with hereditary haemochromatosis present?

A

Early: asymptomatic, tiredness, arthralgia

Late: slate-grey skin, signs of chronic liver disease, hepatomegaly, cirrhosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, bronze DM, hypogonadism, pituitary dysfunction

54
Q

What tests are done to diagnose herediary haemochromotosis?

A

- Gold standard: HFE genotyping (hepcidin protein)

- Bloods: raised LFT, raised ferritin (also raised in inflammation), raised transferrin saturation

- Imaging: chondrocalcinosis, liver and cardiac MRI have Fe overload

- Liver biopsy: Perl’s stain shows iron loading

55
Q

How is hereditary haemochromatosis managed?

A

- Venesection every 2-3 months for life

- Desferrioxamine

- Monitor LFTs and glucose (HbA1c may be falsely low due to venesection)

- If cirrhotic screen for HCC with US and AFP twice yearly

- Avoid iron in diet and OTC vitamins

56
Q

What is the prognosis with hereditary haemochromotosis?

A
  • If cirrhosis 30% chance of developing HCC
  • With venesection life expectancy back to normal and can help improve cirrhosis
57
Q

What is autoimmune hepatitis and who does it mainly affect?

A

Inflammatory autoimmune condition where T-cells and auto-antibodies direct against hepatocyte surface antigens

Usually affects women in bimodal distribution (10-30 and then >40)

58
Q

What is the typical presentation of autoimmune hepatitis?

A

- Acute hepatitis

- Features of autoimmune disease: fever, malaise, urticarial rash, polyarthritis, pleurisy, glomerulonephritis

- Gradual jaundice

- Asymptomatic

- Amennorhea

59
Q

How is autoimmune hepatitis investigated and diagnosed?

A

Ix

- LFTs: bilirubin, ALT, ALP, AST raised

- Hypergammaglobulinaemia: especially IgG

- Autoantibodies: ANA, p-ANCA, anti-LKM1, anti-SMA

- FBC: anaemia, low platlets, low WCC due to hypersplenism

- Liver biopsy: mononuclear infiltrate of portal areas, necrosis and fibrosis

  • MRCP: helps exclude PSC

Dx: based on biopsy, autoantivodies and IgG levels.

60
Q

What are the two different classifications of autoimmune hepatitis?

A

Class I: in 80% of patients, ASMA and ANA auto antibodies

Class II: commoner in younger patients, more chance of progressing to cirrhosis, LKM1 antibodies

61
Q

What are some diseases associated with autoimmune hepatitis?

A
  • UC
  • Pernicious anaemia
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Autoimmune thyroid disease
  • DM
  • HLA A1, B8, DR3
62
Q

How is autoimmune hepatitis managed to try and slow the progression of cirrhosis?

A

- Immunosuppresion: Prednisolone to induce then Azathioprine for maintenance of remission

Liver transplantation: if decompensated liver cirrhosis or failed to respond to medical therapy

63
Q

What is primary biliary cholangitis?

A

Interlobular bile ducts are damaged by autoimmune granulotamous inflammation causing cholestasis which can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis and portal hypertension

More common in women

64
Q

What are some signs and symptoms of PBC?

A

Symptoms: asymptomatic incidental ALP rise, lethargy, sleepiness

Signs: jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, xanthelasma, xanthoma, signs of cirrhosis

65
Q

What are some tests used to diagnose PBC?

A

Bloods: raised ALP and gamma GT, raised AST/ALT in late disease, decreased albumin, raised bilirubin

Autoantibodies: AMA

US: exclude extrahepatic cholestasis

Biopsy: look for granulomas around bile ducts and cirrhosis

66
Q

How is PBC treated?

A

Symptomatic:

    • Colestyramine* for pruitis
    • Codeine phosphate* for diarrhoea
  • Osteoporosis prevention

Specific:

  • Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, K)
  • High dose ursodeoxycholic acid
  • Liver transplant for late stage disease
67
Q

How do we monitor PBC patients?

A
  • Regular LFT
  • US and AFP twice yearly if cirrhotic
68
Q

What is primary sclerosing cholangitis?

A

Progressive cholestasis with bile duct inflammation and strictures.

Occurs in intra and extrahepatic ducts

69
Q

What are some of the signs and symptoms of PSC?

A

Usually in males and occurs with IBD

  • Pruitis
  • Ascending cholangitis
  • Cirrhosis
70
Q

What cancers are PSC associated with?

A
  • Colon
  • Bile duct
  • Gall bladder
  • Liver

Do colonscopy and US yearly and consider cholecystectomy

71
Q

What tests are done to diagnose PSC?

A

Bloods: raised ALP and billirubin

Autoantibodies: ANA, SMA and ANCA positive but AMA -ve

MRCP or ERCP: beads on a string

Liver biopsy: fibrous obliterative cholangitis

72
Q

How is PSC treated?

A
  • Definitive is liver transplant
  • Ursodeoxycholic acid may improve LFT but no survival benefit

- Colestyramine for itch

- Abx for bacterial cholangitis

73
Q

What is Wilson’s disease?

A

Autosomal recessive disorder of copper excretion with excess deposition in liver and CNS.

Treatable cause of cirrhosis so test everyone with cirrhosis for it

Due to the fact copper cannot be incorporated to caeruloplasmin so cannot be excreted into bile

74
Q

Where is copper absorbed in the body?

A

Small intestine

75
Q

How does Wilson’s disease present?

A

- Liver disease: cirrhosis, failure

  • CNS signs: tremor, dysarthria, parkinsonism, dystonias

- Mood: depression, labile emotions

- Cognition: decreased memory

- Kayser Fleischer rings: in iris

76
Q

What tests are done to diagnose Wilson’s disease?

A

- Urine 24h copper excretion: raised

- LFTs: raised

- Serum Cu

- Serum caeruloplasmin: lowered

- Molecular genetic testing

- Liver biopsy

- MRI: look at basal ganglia

77
Q

How is Wilson’s disease treated?

A

- Diet: avoid food high in copper e.g liver, chocolate, mushrooms, shellfish

- Lifelong penicilllamine: chelating agent, will reverse cirrhosis

- Screen siblings

- Liver transplant if severe liver disease

78
Q

What is cirrhosis and what are some of the causes of this? (bold is most common)

A

Irreversible liver damage, nodular regeneration surrounded by bands of fibrosis

  • Infective (HBV, HCV)
  • Autoimmune
  • Metabolic disorders

- Alcohol/Drugs

- NAFLD

79
Q

When should you suspect cirrhosis?

A

In patients with thrombocytopenia or clinical stigmata of chronic liver disease

80
Q

What are some of the signs a patient may display with cirrhosis?

A
  • Jaundice
  • Hepatosplenomegaly
  • Leuconychia
  • Clubbing
  • Palmar erythrema
  • Dupuytren’s contracture
  • Spider naevi
  • Gynacoemastia
  • Ascites
  • Testicular atrophy
  • Parotid swelling
  • Asterixs/Hepatic flap
81
Q

What are some complications of cirrhosis?

A

- Hepatic failure: coagulopathy, encephalopathy, hypoalbuminaemia, sepsis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hypoglycaemia

- Portal hypertension: ascites, splenomegaly, oesophageal varices, caput medusa

- HCC

82
Q

What are some tests you should do when you suspect liver cirrhosis?

A

- Bloods: LFTs, FBC (platelets and WCC may drop)

- Autoantibodies: help find cause

- Viral serology: help find cause

  • Caeruloplasmin and a1-antitrypsin levels

- FIBROSCAN US: liver may be small

- MRI

- Ascitic tap: urgent MC+S to look for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

- Liver biopsy: CONFIRM DIAGNOSIS

83
Q

How is cirrhosis diagnosed?

A

- History

- Exam

- Bloods

- USS: Course texture, nodular, splenomegally, ascites, enlarged caudate lobe.

- Fibroscan

- Liver biopsy

84
Q

If a patient has an endoscopy and is found to have varices, what is this diagnostic of?

A

Cirrhosis

85
Q

What should you screen all patients with cirrhosis for?

A

- Varices to detect for primary prophylaxis to lower bleeding risk

  • If ascites do ascitic tap for cell count and MC+S to check for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
  • Check AFP and US twice yearly for HCC
  • Long term do DEXA scan for osteoporosis
86
Q

How do you treat cirrhosis in general?

A

TREAT UNDERLYING DISEASE e.g penicillamine for Wilson’s

  • Good nutrition
  • Avoid alcohol, NSAIDs, sedatives and opiates
  • Colestyramine for itching
  • US and AFP twice yearly for HCC

- Definitive: liver transplant

87
Q

How are the following cirrhotic complications managed:

  • Ascites
  • Encephalopathy
  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
A

Ascites

    • Fluid restrict and low salt diet*
    • Spironolactone*
  • If tense do therapeutic paracentesis with albumin infusion
  • Take daily weight

Encephalopathy

  • Prophylactic lactulose

SBP

  • Consider if ascites and patient deteriorating quickly
  • Commonly due to E.Coli and Klebsiella
    • Piperacillin with tazobactam*
88
Q

What are some poor prognostic indicators with cirrhosis?

A
  • Encephalopathy
  • Na<110
  • Serum albumin <25
  • Raised INR
89
Q

What are some indications for liver transplantation (both acute and chronic)?

A

Acute: King’s college criteria

Chronic: advanced cirrhosis of any cause, HCC with 1 nodule<5cm or <5nodules <3cm

90
Q

What are some contraindications for liver transplantation?

A
  • Extrahepatic malignancy
  • Severe cardiorespiratory disease
  • Systemic sepsis
  • Continued alcohol use
  • Unlikely to comply with drugs
91
Q

How do we prioritise which patients get a liver transplant first?

A

UKELD score

Predicts mortality in end stage liver disease

Looks at: INR, Billirubin, Sodium and Creatinine

Can also look at Child Pugh and MELD score

92
Q

What are the biggest issues cirrhosis causes and what factors can cause the cirrhosis to decompensated?

A

Issues: jaundice, encephalopathy, ascites

Factors: dehydration, constipation, alcohol use, infection, opiate overuse, GI bleed SO AVOID THESE

93
Q

Cirrhosis causes portal hypertension. What are some signs of this?

A
  • Ascites
  • Encephalopathy
  • Caput Medusa
  • Varices

DIAGNOSE BY ENDOSCOPICALLY LOOKING FOR VARCIES OR LOOK FOR ASCITES

94
Q

How can portal hypertension be managed?

A
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Endoscopic sclerotherapy or banding for varices
  • Salt restrict
  • TIPPS or DSRS
95
Q

What veins do oesophageal varices form between?

A

Azygous and Short gastric veins

(don’t forget varices at rectal and umbilical areas)

96
Q

What are the reasons for malnutrition in chronic liver disease?

A

Impaired intake

  • Lack of appetite and early sateity due to ascites. Liquid calories. Not wanting to eat due to oesophagitis
  • Offer other ways of nutrition e.g NG

Impaired nutrient storage and synthesis

  • Liver cannot store and synthesise micronutrients like water soluble vitamins. Thiamine deficiency
  • Give Pabrinex or Oral thiamine

Impaired absorption

  • Due to portal hypertension
97
Q

What clinical guideline would you use to determine specific treatment for paracetamol overdose?

A

TOXBASE - use the normogram provided!

- 3 consecutive acetyl cysteine infusions over 20 hours if paracetamol levels over treatment line. Efficacy decreases after 8 hours.

98
Q

How does acetly cysteine help with paracetamol OD?

A

It helps to replenish glutathione which helps to conjugate NAPQI to safe molecules that can be excreted

99
Q

How do you conduct a MMSE?

A
  • Orientation
  • Attention and Calculation
  • Recall
  • Language
  • Copying
100
Q

What investigations should you do for a patient admitted with a paracetamol overdose?

A

- Patient’s weight for treatment

- Paracetamol levels after 4h of ingestion and compare with treatment graph

- FBC and INR

- LFTs, U+Es, Phosphate

- VBG for pH, lactate, glucose, bicarbonate

101
Q

What is needed before a safe discharge following a paracetamol OD?

A
  • Psychiatric risk assessment
  • Paracetamol levels below threshold
  • LFTs returning to normal
102
Q
A
103
Q

How is malnutrition best managed?

A
  • High calorie and fortified foods
  • Nutritional supplements
  • Support with eating e.g someone feeding, teeth in
  • Treating any underlying conditions causing malnutrition e.g IBD
  • Feeding tubes

MEDICINE (25 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions