E2 Liver Patho Flashcards
What is the functional unit of the liver?
Lobules
What are the liver cells called?
Hepatocytes
What is unique about hepatocytes?
Only cells in the body that can re-grow/ regenerate
What do kuffer cells do?
remove bacteria & toxins from blood
What are the major functions of the liver?
- Metabolism &/or storage of: fat, CHO, PRO, Vits, & minerals
- Blood volume reservoid: distends/compresses to alter circulating blood volume
- Blood filter: removes bili
- Blood clotting: prothrombin & fibrinogen
- Drug metabolism & detoxification
The liver is the _____ organ
largest (3 Ibs)
The portal circulatory system brings blood to the liver from the
stomach, intestines, spleen, and pancreas for metabolism
The blood enters the liver through the ______ and recieves what type of blood?
Portal vein
Deoxygenated
The liver is responsible for the _______ effect
first pass
Liver function test abnormal trends?
- Liver enzymes: Increase
- Bilirubin: Increased
- Ammonia: Increased
- PT: Increased
- Serum Protein: Decreased
- Serum Albumin: Decreased
Jaundice is also called
icterus
Jaundice is usually noticeable when bilirubin is
> 2-2.5 mg/dl
What are the 3 causes of jaundice?
- Hemolytic–> increased breakdown of RBCs (pathophysiologic, too many RBCs, Bleeding)
- Hepatocellular–> Liver unable to take up bili from blood or unable to conjugate it
- Obstructive–> Decreased or obstructed flow of bile
Bilirubin is a byproduct of what?
Hemoglobin
Direct bili=
Indirect bili=
Conjugated
unconjugated
Elevations of indirect bili=
bili overproduction OR impaired liver functioning
(Hemolysis or erythropoiesis)
Elevations of direct bili=
liver working, but can’t get bili out
(Bile obstruction, gallstone)
jaundice clinical manifestations
-Urine darker
-Liver enzymes increased
-Stools normal or clay colored
-Pruritis
What is viral hepatitis?
Inflammation of the liver
What are the viruses that cause hepatitis?
A,B,C (D&E)
Epstein-Barr
Cytomegalovirus
What also causes hepatitis that is not a virus?
Alcohol abuse
Bacteria
Chemicals
Drugs
Who is Hepatitis E dangerous to?
Pregnant women
Pathogenesis of viral hepatitis?
- Viral infection
- Immune response: inflammatory mediators in liver
- Lysis of infected cells
- Edema & swelling of tissue
- Tissue hypoxia
- Hepatocyte death
Leads to liver failure
Clinical manifestations of viral hepatitis?
-Similar btwn types
-Many asymptomatic
-Abnormal LFTS but need to trend
Prodromal phase of viral hepatitis?
-2 weeks after exposure
-Fatigue
-Anorexia
-Malaise
-N/V
-H/A
-Hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain)
-Cough
-Low grade fever
Last 1-2 wks
HIGHLY transmissible
Icteric phase of viral hepatitis?
“Active phase”
-Begins w/ jaundice
-Dark urine
-Clay colored stools
-Enlarged liver, painful on palpitation
-Abdominal pain increase in severity
-Last 2-6 weeks
Recovery phase of viral hepatitis
-Resolution of jaundice
-6-8wks after exposure, sympts diminish
-Liver remains enlarged/tender
Complications of viral hepatitis?
-Majority recover completely
-Mortality rate <1% (except elderly & comorbidities)
Complications
-Chronic hepatitis
-Liver cirrhosis
-Liver cancer
-Fulminant viral hepatitis (ALF)
How is Hepatitis A transmitted?
-FECAL to oral
-Parental
-Sexual
r/t sanitation practices/ foood handling OR not washing hands