approach to jaundice Flashcards
What are the functions of the liver
Produces clotting factors which is why prothrombin time is checked to see the function of the liver
Bile acids are produced in the liver
Cholesterol is mainly produced at the liver
Liver produces many hormones such as angiotensin
What does the liver store
Glycogen
Vitamin A,D,B12 and K
Copper and iron
How is bilirubin produced in the body
Broken down blood cells which have the haemoglobin broken down into haem which is then converted into bilirubin
What does an AST >ALT mean
Alcoholic liver disease
What does a raised ALT mean
Damage to the liver parenchyma
What is ALP and what does raised ALP mean
ALP - enzyme in bile ducts
Raised when there is obstruction in the bile ducts
What does ALP>ALT mean
damage to the bile ducts
What does raised Gamma GT mean (GGT)
alcohol excess
What is albumin tested for in the liver
To check the synthetic function of the liver since it is produced there
Why is prothrombin time used
To check the liver function
What are the symptoms of liver failure
Jaundice
Ascites
Variceal bleeding
Hepatic encephalopathy - confusion due to toxins accumulating in the liver
What is jaundice
Yellowing of the skin, sclera and other tissues due to excess circulating bilirubin
What is unconjugated bilirubin
Bound to albumin so not excreted in the urine which maintains normal colour of urine
What is the presentation of pre-hepatic jaundice
History of anaemia
Alcohuric jaundice
Pallor
Splenomegally
What is alcohuric jaundice
Jaundice where the pee is unchanged
