Alcoholic Liver Disease

Question 1

State 4 common presentations of alcoholic liver disease.

Answer 1

Jaundice. Spider naevi (swollen blood vessels). Dupytrens contractures (fascia of the hand getting constricted). Ascites. Puritus (severe itching of the skin). Meleana (black stools due to internal bleeding).

Question 2

Why happens to albumin levels during alcoholic liver disease?

Answer 2

It decreases.

Albumin is synthesized in the liver, and low serum albumin may be indicative of liver failure or diseases such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.

Question 3

State 3 investigations of alcoholic liver disease.

Answer 3

Bilirubin (5-17micromol/L). 
Alkaline phosphatase. 
Aspartate aminotransferase. 
Alanine transaminase. 
Albumin. 
Prothrombin time. 
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.

Question 4

State a medication for alcoholic liver disease.

Answer 4

Prednisolone - steroid medication to reduce inflammation.