Hepatitis Flashcards
Chronic hepatitis characterized by circulating autoantibodies (not thought to be part of the pathophysiology) & high levels of serum globulin concentrations
autoimmune hepatitis
Treatment for autoimmune hepatitis
corticosteroids. azathioprine 2nd line
Genetic disease due to autosomal recessive gene HFE. Most common single gene disorder
hemachromatosis
Increased iron load leads to eventual cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, DM, and hypogonadism
hemochromatosis
When do symptoms of hemochromatosis usually present?
age 40 or when iron stores reach 15-40g
Classic presentation of hemochromatosis
cutaneous hyperpigmentation w/ diabetes & cirrhosis
Gold standard for confirmation of hemochromatosis in addition to elevated serum transferrin saturation and elevated serum ferritin
liver biopsy
The mainstay of treatment for hemochromatosis is phlebotomy. What lifestyle modifications should a patient also make?
avoid red meat, Fe vitamins, ETOH, and the handling/eating of raw seafood. Get Hep A&B vaccines
Autosomal recessive disease that affects copper metabolism. Organ damage due to copper build up in the liver and brain
Wilson’s disease
Generally presents between 1st-3rd decades with liver disease, neurologic and psych symptoms
Wilson’s Disease
Pathognomic for Wilson’s disease
kayser-fleischer rings in the eyes
Treatment for Wilson’s disease
chelation therapy w/ D-penicillamine
Can occur within hours of a large alcohol binge & if continues to drink can progress. May have tender hepatomegaly. Transaminases mildly elevated. Can also occur in obese individuals and pregnancy
fatty liver
Physical exam may reveal spider angiomas, palmar erythema, gynecomastia, parotid enlargement, testicular atrophy, ascites, encephalopathy
fatty liver
Distinguishing feature of transaminases associated with fatty liver disease that is rarely seen in other forms of liver disease
AST: ALT ratio usually greater than 2:0
Histology finding associated with fatty liver disease
Mallory bodies