Chronic Liver Disease Flashcards
1
Q
How long does liver disease have to persist for to be termed chronic
A
> 6 months
2
Q
Cause of cirrhosis
A
Alcohol - main Autoimmune (hepatits, PBC, PSC) Viral Hepatitis Haemochromatosis NAFLD Drugs CF Sarcoidosis Amyloid Schistosomiasis
3
Q
What changes occur in liver when disease is chronic
A
Hepatocytes become apoptotic
Lymphocytes infiltrate
Hepatic stellate cells increase (fat-storing cells between sinusoids and hepatocytes)
Kupffer cells are activated (cause collagen synthesis and fibrosis in stellate cells)
ECM proteins aggregate
All this causes increased resistance to blood flow of sinusoid lumen
4
Q
Presentation of cirrhosis
A
Compensated usually detected on screening tests or LFTs
Decompensated usually presents as ascites, variceal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy
May present as hepatocellular carcinoma
