Hepatotoxicity (transaminitis) Flashcards
What is hepatotoxicity? (transaminitis)
liver toxicity
What s/s should you educate patients at risk for hepatoxicity about and what should you assess them for?
- Jaundice
- ascites
- RUQ pain (right upper quadrant)
- N/V/D (Nausea, Vomiting And Diarrhea)
- sweating
- coma
- death
Patients with hepatotoxicity are at high risk for bleeding. Why?
because of low clotting factors (bleeding, bruising, elevated PT/INR (prothrombin time/internationalized normal ratio)
Patients with hepatotoxicity might be at risk of toxicity to which drug?
warfarin
Patients with hepatotoxicity abdomen should be monitored for what?
abdominal fullness (ascites)
What are two things you should do for patients at risk of hepatoxicity? (in terms of labs)
1) obtain baseline liver function and 2) monitor trends
What does it mean to say you should monitor for transaminitis?
monitor for an elevated liver panel
What is AST on a liver panel?
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme that is found mostly in the liver, but also in muscles. When your liver is damaged, it releases AST into your bloodstream. An AST blood test measures the amount of AST in your blood. The test can help your health care provider diagnose liver damage or disease.
What is ALT on a liver panel?
ALT, which stands for alanine transaminase, is an enzyme found mostly in the liver. When liver cells are damaged, they release ALT into the bloodstream. An ALT test measures the amount of ALT in the blood.
What is bilirubin on a liver panel?
Bilirubin (bil-ih-ROO-bin) is a yellowish pigment that is made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin passes through the liver and is eventually excreted out of the body. Higher than normal levels of bilirubin may indicate different types of liver or bile duct problems.
What is alkaline phosphatase on a liver panel?
The alkaline phosphatase test (ALP) is used to help detect liver disease or bone disorders. It is often ordered along with other tests, such as a gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test and/or as part of a liver panel. In conditions affecting the liver, damaged liver cells release increased amounts of ALP into the blood.
What is ammonia on a liver panel?
This test measures the level of ammonia in your blood. Ammonia, also known as NH3, is a waste product made by your body during the digestion of protein. Normally, ammonia is processed in the liver, where it is changed into another waste product called urea. Urea is passed through the body in urine.
What is albumin on a liver panel?
Albumin is a protein made by your liver. Albumin helps keep fluid in your bloodstream so it doesn’t leak into other tissues. It is also carries various substances throughout your body, including hormones, vitamins, and enzymes. Low albumin levels can indicate a problem with your liver or kidneys. Other names: ALB
What is the relationship between low protein and hepatoxicity?
lower protein = more free drugs and higher risk of any drug causing toxicity
What are indicators on an elevated liver panel?
^ AST, ^ ALT, ^ bilirubin, ^ alkaline phosphatase, ^ ammonia, low total protein, low albumin
