Biochemistry of Alcohol Flashcards
(9 cards)
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).
