Hepatology Flashcards
AST levels are ___ in ___ liver dysfunction.
increased; acute
ALT levels are ___ in ___ liver dysfunction.
increased; acute
Alk phos levels are ___ in ___ liver dysfunction.
increased; acute
Bilirubin levels are ___ in ___ liver dysfunction.
increased; acute and chronic
Albumin levels are ___ in ___ liver dysfunction.
decreased; chronic
INR levels are ___ in ___ liver dysfunction.
increased; chronic
Platelet levels are ___ in ___ liver dysfunction.
decreased; chronic
Why does INR increase in chronic liver disease?
clotting factors are produced in the liver - therefore liver dysfunction leads to decreased clotting factors and increased INR
Why is thrombocytopenia associated with chronic liver disease?
Platelets are produced in the liver
What dose of acetaminophen can lead to DILI?
> /= 8 g
What molecule leads to DILI in those taking acetaminophen?
NAPQI
What are the signs/symptoms of acetaminophen DILI? (4)
abdominal pain; jaundice; N/V; diarrhea
What is used to treat acetaminophen DILI?
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
How does NAC work?
provides cysteine for glutathione synthesis - glutathione breaks down NAPQI into inactive metabolites
How do you determine if NAC is indicated?
concentration of acetaminophen > 4 hours after ingestion
Dosing for NAC
140mg/kg loading dose followed by 70mg/kg Q4H for 17 doses
NAC monitoring parameters
liver enzymes; s/sx acute liver injury
What is cirrhosis?
irreversible fibrosis of the liver
What are the two main causes of cirrhosis?
EtOH abuse; Hepatitis
What are the signs/symptoms of cirrhosis?
fatigue; weight loss; itchy; jaundice; confusion; enlarged spleen and/or liver
Why does cirrhosis cause jaundice?
increased bilirubin
What is portal hypertension?
hepatic portal vein gradient > 5mmHg
What are the 2 complications of portal hypertension?
ascites; esophogeal varices
How does portal hypertension lead to ascites?
compensatory mechanisms lead to activation of RAAS which has stimulates several mechanisms that lead to ascites
Characteristics of decompensated cirrhosis (3)
variceal hemmorhage; ascites; hepatic encephalopathy