2- Hepatic/liver Disease Flashcards
An AST/ ALT > 1.5 (but traditionally ≥ 2) indicates what condition?
Alcoholic liver disease
An AST/ ALT < 1.0 indicates what condition?
NASH (often acute or chonic viral hepatitis)
An AST/ ALT > 10 indicates what condition?
Cirrhosis
An ALT/ AST < 1.0 indicates what condition?
Fatty liver
What conditions are indicative of low to high ALT values? (ranging from ~40 to 10,000)
Hepatitis B + C chronic → EtOH → Hepatitis C, A + B acute → “shock liver” or acetaminophen toxicity
What is defined as inflammation of the liver by fat deposition?
Steatohepatitis
Predominantly elevated ALT and AST (liver transaminases) indicate what?
Hepatocellular pattern
What is the spectrum of diseases included as part of NAFLD (non- alcoholic fatty liver disease)?
NAFL → NASH → NASH cirrhosis
How is NAFL (aka isolated steatosis) defined?
Fatty liver without injury or fibrosis of hepatocytes on bx
How is NASH defined?
Fatty liver + inflammation = hepatocyte injury
Risk of progression of fibrosis, cirrhosis is significant
The following are RFs for what condition?
Abd obesity, DMT2, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, PCOS
NAFLD
(metabolic syndrome = strongest predictor)
How does NAFLD typically present clinically?
Asx, often incidental finding
What tools are used to aid in identifying those with NAFLD that are at risk for advanced fibrosis?
NAFLD fibrosis score, fibrosis-4 index, vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE)
On fibroscan (VCTE) you note ≥ 5% liver fat on imaging or liver bx, US notes fat present on the liver, labs show hepatocellular pattern with elevated ferritin, lipids, and glucose. What are you concerned for?
NAFLD
When is it recommended to obtain a liver biopsy in pts with NAFLD?
Increased risk for advanced fibrosis, metabolic syndrome/ elevated LFTs, need to r/o competing etiologies
What conditions must be r/o when evaluating suspected NAFLD?
Significant alcohol consumption, competing etiologies for hepatic steatosis, coexisting causes of chronic liver disease (CLD)
Pts with NAFLD are at a high risk for what?
CV morbidity/ mortality
(aggressive modification of CVD RFs should be considered)
What is used in the treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with NAFLD and NASH, and when should this treatment be avoided?
Statins; avoided in pts with decompensated cirrhosis
What is considered the “cornerstone” of NASH management?
Exercise and weight loss
(should also minimize EtOH, control underlying conditions, vaccinate)
What is the relationship between body weight reduction and histological improvement of NASH?
>3% improves steatosis
7-10% NASH resolution
≥10% fibrosis regression
What are the hereditary liver disorders? (3)
Hereditary hemochromatosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson’s disease
What is hereditary hemochromatosis?
Hereditary disorder of iron metabolism
What is the pathophysiology of hereditary hemochromatosis?
Genetic mutation → increased GI absorption of iron → accumulation of iron in tissues
(liver, pancreas, heart, adrenals, testes, pituitary, skin, kidney)
How does hereditary hemochromatosis present clinically (early stages)?
FH or incidentally noted increased AST and ALT
Initially non-specific sxs (fatigue, malaise, RUQ discomfort)
The following are complications of what disease?
Hepatomegaly, hepatic insufficiency, cirrhosis, DM, impotence, arthralgia, bronze pigmentation of skin, cardiomegaly +/- CHF, cardiac arrhythmia
Hereditary hemochromatosis
What is the triad a/w Bronze Diabetes (rare) and what condition can it be seen with?
Can be seen with hereditary hemochromatosis
Triad: DM, bronze pigmentation of skin, cirrhosis
Early diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis is important. What lab studies should be ordered?
Abd chem panel, iron studies and screening if (+) FH
Pt with concern for liver disease shows elevated liver tests/ LFTs, along with transferrin sat ≥ 45 and/ or ferritin > 200 (men) OR > 150 (women). What condition should you be concerned for?
Hereditary hemochromatosis
How is a diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatoma confirmed?
Genetic testing (GI mutation analysis) +/- liver bx
What is the goal of treatment for hereditary hemochromatosis and how is this done?
Goal is to prevent cirrhosis from iron load → therapeutic phlebotomy and q 6 months HCC screening w/ cirrhosis
What lifestly recommendations should be made for a pt with hereditary hemochromatosis to prevent cirrhosis from iron overload?
Avoid vit C, iron containing supplements, uncooked shellfish, EtOH
What is recommended for all 1st degree relatives of a pt with hereditary hemochromatosis?
HFE genotype and iron testing
According to AASLD guidelines, who should be screened for hereditary hemochromatosis?
Elevated liver tests, abd iron studies, 1st degree relative dx, evidence of liver disease, suggestive sxs
What condition is a very rare hereditary disorder of copper metabolism that leads to decreased excretion of copper into bile and accumulation of copper in the liver?
Wilson’s disease
Hepatic presentation of Wilson’s disease includes what?
Acute hepatitis, chronic liver disease, acute or chronic liver failure
In Wilson’s disease, once the liver’s capacity for copper is exceeded, copper is released into the bloodstream and starts to accumulate where?
Brain, cornea, joints, kidney, heart, pancreas
What are the common clinical manifestations of Wilson’s disease? (systems)
Hepatic, neurologic, psychiatric
(neuro/ psych: confusion, dysarthria, incoordination/ ataxia, Parkinsonism, seizures, dystonia, spasticity, personality/ behavior changes)
What is pathognomonic for Wilson’s disease?
Kayser-Fleischer ring + neuro manifestations
Pt presents with a brownish or gray-green color to their eye and you note neurologic manifestations as well. What are you concerned for and what should you do?
Wilson’s disease/ Kayser-Fleisher ring
Get ophthamology exam
What lab diagnostics should be ordered with suspicion of Wilson’s disease?
Serum ceruloplasmin (low, <5 = strong evidence), 24 hr urinary copper (inc), liver bx +/- molecular testing (dx confirmation), AST/ ALT (N/ low)
If available, what is recommended for 1st degree relatives of pts with Wilson’s disease?
Screening w/ genetic analysis
What is the treatment for Wilson’s disease?
Chelating agents and transplant if liver failure
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder characterized by decreased levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin in circulation. What is the pathophysiology of this condition?
Liver cells make alpha-1 antitrypsin → abn shape get stuck in liver cells → accumulation in hepatocytes