Chronic Liver Failure Flashcards
What is cirrhosis?
Irreversible diffuse fibrosis of the liver w/ regenerative nodules
What are regenerative nodules?
non-neoplastic nodules without sinusoids or portal triads
What are the types of cirrhosis?
Macronodular cirrhosis
Micronodular cirrohsis
What is the size of nodule formed in micronodular cirrhosis?
nodule ~1 mm diameter; usually alcoholic cirrhosis
What is the size of nodule formed in macronodular cirrhosis?
nodules >1 mm diameter and varying sizes
What are the causes of cirrhosis?
Alcohol
Post necrotic cirrhosis
Autoimmune cirrhosis
Metabolic disorders
Hepatic failure is a complication of cirrhosis. How does hepatic failure manifest?
Coagulation defects
Hypoalbuminemia
Hepatic encephalopathy
Liver failure can manifest as ______________ (bleeding/hypercoagulable/both) disorders
both disorders
How does hypercoagulability occurs in liver failure?
decreased synthesis of protein C/S, causing the patient to be hypercoagulable
Hepatic encephalopathy is a ___________ (reversible/irreversible) metabolic disorder.
reversible
Why does hepatic encephalopathy occur?
- Increased aromatic amino acids
2. Increased ammonia
How does increase in aromatic aa.s lead to encephalopathy?
Increase in the blood of aromatic amino acids that are then converted into false neurotransmitters (e.g., γ-aminobutyric acid)
What are the methods for reducing ammonia in the colon?
Decreasing protein intake
Oral neomycin
Lactulose
What are the factors that precipitate encephalopathy?
increased protein
metabolic alkalosis
sedatives
portosystemic shunts
What are the clinical findings of CLF?
alterations in the mental status.
somnolence and disordered sleep rhythms.
asterixis
coma and death in late stages
How metabolic alkalosis precipitates the encephalopathy?
It keeps ammonia in the NH3 state (less H+ ions in alkalosis)
What are the complications of cirrhosis?
Hepatic failure Portal HTN Ascites Hepatorenal syndrome Hyperestrinism
Portal HTN is defined as PV pressure that is greater than ____ (5/10) mm Hg
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