Chronic Liver Disease + Chirosis Flashcards
What is liver cirrhosis?
End stage of chronic liver disease characterised by fibrosis and formation of regenerative nodules
Liver cirrhosis results from long-term damage to the liver.
What are the common causes of liver cirrhosis?
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Chronic viral hepatitis (B/C/D)
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Rarer: Primary biliary cirrhosis, Haemochromatosis/Wilsons, Alpha I antitrypsin deficiency, CF and Drugs (amioderone, methotrexate, sodium valproate)
CF refers to Cystic Fibrosis.
List some symptoms of liver cirrhosis.
- OFTEN ASYMPTOMATIC!
- Easy Bruising
- Itching skin - puritis
- Anorexia
- Fatigue
Symptoms can vary widely among individuals.
What are some clinical signs of liver cirrhosis?
- Jaundice
- Ascites
- Spider Naevi
- Caput Madusea
- Leukonychia
- Dupuytrens contracture
- Palmar erythema
- Confusion
- Thin, muscle wasting
- Hepatomegaly
- Asterexis
- Bruising
Signs can indicate advanced liver disease.
What blood tests are typically conducted for liver cirrhosis?
- LFTs: AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, Bilirubin, Albumin
- Clotting: INR, PT
- Iron studies: Ferritin
- U&Es
- FBC
- ELF - enhanced liver fibrosis
Liver function tests (LFTs) assess the liver’s health.
What serology tests are used in liver cirrhosis assessment?
- AFP (cancer marker)
- HIV
- Hep B/C
- Autoantibodies: ANA, SMA, AMA, LMK-I
- Iron - heamochromatosis
- Caeruloplasmin (Wilson’s) if below 40
AFP is often elevated in liver cancer.
What imaging techniques are used to diagnose liver cirrhosis?
- Ultrasound
- CT
- Fibroscan
- Biopsy
- Endoscopy
Biopsy is considered the gold standard (GS) for diagnosis.
What is the management approach for liver cirrhosis?
- Lifestyle + Conservative measures
- Screen for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- Endoscopic screening for oesophageal varices
- Follow up by hepatologist
- Liver transplantation (MELD score)
MELD score helps assess the severity of liver disease and transplant eligibility.
True or False: Liver transplantation is a potential management option for liver cirrhosis.
True
Transplantation is considered for patients with advanced disease.
Fill in the blank: Liver cirrhosis is characterized by _______ and formation of regenerative nodules.
fibrosis
Fibrosis refers to the thickening and scarring of connective tissue.
