Biochemistry Flashcards

1
Q

What blood tests can be done to test if the patient is a chronic drinker?

A

Gamma GT
MCV
Triglycerides

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2
Q

Why are triglycerides high in alcohol excess?

A

Due to increased synthesis in the liver

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3
Q

If a patient presents to A+E, is unconscious and you suspect they have been drinking what tests should you do?

A

Glucose - exclude hypoglycaemia

Serum osmolality

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4
Q

What is the simplest formula for serum osmolality?

A

2x [Na]

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5
Q

What is a normal serum osmolality?

A

275-295 mmol/kg

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6
Q

A patient comes in comatose and has their electrolytes measured. They come back normal and therefore their calculated osmolality is normal (290 mmol/kg). However their measured osmolality was not (340 mmol/kg). What is this gap called?

A

Osmolal gap

Something else contributing to osmolality

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7
Q

If an alcoholic has abdominal pain, what should you measure?

A

Amylase

LFT

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8
Q

What are the liver function tests?

A
ALT
Bilirubin
Alk phos
Albumin
GGT
PTR
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9
Q

What is ALT a measure of?

A

Liver damage

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10
Q

Where is ALT found?

A

Liver

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11
Q

Where is ALP found?

A
Liver
Bone
Small intestine
Kidneys
Placenta
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12
Q

Where is albumin synthesized?

A

Liver

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13
Q

Albumin is raised in a systemic inflammatory response. True or false?

A

False

It false in a systemic inflammatory response

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14
Q

What does the prothrombin ratio measure?

A

Clotting factors synthesized in the liver

Indicaor of current liver synthetic function

Gives indication of patient’s bleeding tendency

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15
Q

If an alcoholic presents with vomiting, what tests should you do?

A

U&Es
LFT
Amylase
ABG

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16
Q

What should you measure if a patient presents with haematemesis?

A

U&E
LFT
PTR
Lactate

17
Q

In the metabolic pathway, the substance from which bilirubin is formed from is…?

A

Biliverdin

Haemoglobin -> haem -> biliverdin -> bilirubin

18
Q

Moderate alcohol consumption as part of a Mediterranean diet is known to increase/decrease blood LDL/HDL levels

A

Increase blood HDL levels

19
Q

How does antabuse work?

A

Inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase

20
Q

Facial flushing and a general feeling of being unwell is caused by what?

A

Aldehyde

21
Q

What are hepatocytes bordered by microscopically?

A

The space of Disse

22
Q

What medication is commonly used for medically assisted alcohol withdrawal?

A

Chloriazepoxide

23
Q

Ethanol is sometimes used to treat patients with a raised osmolol gap. True or false?

A

True

24
Q

How many kcals does 1g of alcohol contain?

A

7kcals

25
Q

What is AST short for?

A

Aspartate aminotransferase

26
Q

Why do you measure lactate in a patient with haematemesis?

A

To assess perfusion

27
Q

Where does aspiration pneumonia usually occur?

A

The superior segment of the right lower lobe

The lower segment of the middle lobe

28
Q

How long does it take delerium tremens to develop?

A

3-10 days

29
Q

What is portal hypertension associated with: hepatomegaly or splenomegaly?

A

Splenomegaly

30
Q

What drug use is acute pancreatitis associated with?

A

Steroid use

31
Q

What clotting factors are made in the liver?

A

II
VII
IX
X