Alcoholic Liver Disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is the physiological process from alcohol intake to liver cirrhosis (flow diagram)
A
2
Q
What is the process of alcohol breakdown?
A
3
Q
Why does alcohol use lead to a fatty liver?
A
- Fatty acids are produced from alcohol via acetyl CoA
- These build up as NAD+ gets used up in the process of alcohol breakdown
4
Q
Why does a fatty liver progress to and fibrosis/cirrhosis?
A
Acetaldehyde is toxic to the liver
The fat blocks the sinusoids causing ischaemia and damage and then attempted repair
5
Q
What is liver decompensation and what are the symptoms?
A
This is when the liver becomes so cirrhosed that it is not able to perform it’s normal functions:
- Spider naevi
- Dupytrens Contracture
- Gynaecomastia
- Palmar erythema
- Jaundice
- Portal Hypertension (c.medusae, splenomegaly,ascites, peritoneal infection, oesophageal varices)
- Clotting disorders
6
Q
What is Wernickes encepalopathy and what are the symptoms?
A
Alcoholism is associated with poor diet and in particular thiamine. This is needed for NMDA receptors so a lack of it causes:
- Ataxia
- opthamoplegia
- Confusion
- Memory loss
7
Q
What are some treatments for alcohol abuse?
A
Abstinence
Benzos
Vitamins
