Biochemistry of Alcohol Flashcards
What tests you can do to see if someone drinks alcohol chronically?
GammaGT
MCV
Triglycerides
Why is gammaGT raised in chronic alcohol consumption?
It is a pathway that is induced to breakdown excess alcohol.
Why is there a raised MCV in alcoholics?
Unknown.
Why are there raised triglycerides in chronic alcohol excess?
Due to increased synthesis in the liver.
What is the simplest formula for serum osmolality?
2 x [Na]
Concentration of sodium is much higher than everything else.
What is the reference interval for serum osmolality?
275-295mmol/kg
What is the gap between calculated and measured osmolality?
The osmolal gap (measured - calculated)
What does it mean when there is an osmolal gap?
There is something else in the patient’s blood contributing to the osmolality.
What kind of acidosis will methanol cause?
A metabolic acidosis (low bicarbonate).
