2: Chronic Liver Disease, Focal Liver Lesions, Pancreatic Cancer Flashcards
What is alcoholic liver disease
chronic liver disease caused by excess consumption of alcohol
What are the three stages of alcoholic liver disease
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Alcohol-related cirrhosis
What is stage 1 of alcohol liver disease
Alcoholic fatty liver disease
Is stage 1 of alcoholic liver disease reversible
Yes
what is the most common cause of cirrhosis
Hepatitis C
what is the second most common cause of cirrhosis
Alcohol Consumption
how does stage 1 alcoholic liver disease present clinically
Asymptomatic - Some patients complain of abnormal sensation in upper arm
is stage 1 alcoholic liver disease reversible
Yes
how does stage 2 alcoholic liver disease present
- Jaundice
- Hepatomegaly
Non-specific Sx:
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
is stage 2 alcoholic liver disease reversible
In mild forms
is stage 3 alcoholic liver disease reversible
No
Explain the pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease
AcetylcoA is degraded by alcohol dehydrogenase to produce NADH and G3P.
These encourage triglyceride synthesis in the liver to cause steatohepatitis
What blood-tests are ordered in alcoholic liver disease
FBC
LFTs
What will be seen on LFTs in alcoholic liver disease
- Raised AST and ALT
- Raised GGT
Describe AST: ALT ratio in alcoholic liver disease
AST: ALT >2
What may be seen on FBC in alcoholic liver disease and why
macrocytic anaemia - due to B12 deficiency
What are three possible specialised investigations for alcoholic liver disease
- US
- Fibroscan
- Biopsy
When are fibroscans for alcoholic liver disease indicated
Male >50Units p/w
Female >50 Units p/w
Diagnosis alcoholic liver disease
when is a liver-biopsy indicated
Alcoholic hepatitis severe enough to require prednisolone
what is first-line management of alcoholic liver disease
Prednisolone
what is the benefit of prednisolone for alcoholic liver disease
Improves short-term (1m) survival
what is the only ultimate treatment for alcoholic liver disease
Liver transplant
What does Maddrey’s discriminant function predict
Poor prognosis in patients with alcoholic liver disease and who may need prednisolone
What does Lille’s score discriminant function predict
Mortality of individuals with alcoholic liver disease not responding to prednisolone
What are two complications of alcoholic liver disease
- Oesophageal varices
- Decompensated cirrhosis
What are the four stages of NAFLD
- Steatosis
- Steatohepatitis
- Fibrosis
- Cirrhosis
What is the commonest liver disease in western civilisations
NAFLD
What are 4 risk factors for NAFLD
- Metabolic syndrome
- T2DM
- Jejunoileal bypass
- Sudden weight loss
What is metabolic syndrome
Individual needs three of the following
- HTN
- Obesity
- DM
- Hyperlipidaemia
- Hypertriglyceridaemia
How does NAFLD present initially
Asymptomatic
Fatigue and Malaise
How does NAFLD present later on
Hepatomegaly
RUQ Pain
Jaundice
Ascites
Explain pathophysiology of NAFLD
Insulin resistance causes liver to enter mode where it stores fat and decreases fatty acid oxidation. This means decrease metabolism of FAs but increased uptake
What is it important to exclude as a differential of NAFLD
Alcoholic liver disease
What two blood tests are important in NAFLD
LFTs
Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) blood test
How will LFTs present in NAFLD
Raised ALT
Will ALT or AST be raised more in NAFLD
ALT