33 - Hepatobiliary System I

Question 1

What are the two tests for liver integrity?

Answer 1

This tests the integrity of membranes - indicates injury of membranes when present

Aminotransferases

• AST (aspartate transaminase)
• ALT (alanine transaminase)

LDH (lactate dehydrogenase)
- Not a great test because there are other cells which have LDH (RBCs, others) so it is not specific

Question 2

What are the liver tests for hepatocyte function?

Answer 2

• Serum albumin
• Prothrombin time
• Serum ammonia

Question 3

What are the liver tests for bile canaliculus enzymes

Answer 3

• AP = alkaline phosphatase
• 5-NT = 5-nucleotidase
• GGT = gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase

Question 4

How do we test for hyperbilirubinemia

Answer 4

• Total bilirubin = unconjugated + conjugated –> 0.1-1.2 mg/dL is normal, > 2 mg/dL leads to jaundice
• Conjugated (direct) = total-direct = indirect

Question 5

Describe the clinical manifestations of jaundice and cholestasis

Answer 5

• Jaundice (yellow sclera)

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