Intro Flashcards
In the developed world what are the two most common causes of liver disease?
NAFLD and alcohol excess
In the developing world what is the most common cause of liver disease?
Chronic viral hep B or hep C
What does liver cirrhosis ultimately lead to?
Portal hypertension and deterioration if liver function
What is the median survival in someone with decompensated cirrhosis?
2 years (less than most cancers)
What are the functions of the liver?
- Metabolise drugs and alcohol
- Synthesis and metabolism of proteins
- Maintenance of blood sugar
- Lipid metabolism
- Bilirubin and bile metabolism and excretion
What is bilirubin?
The breakdown product of bilirubin
What are aminotransferases?
Enzymes that are contained within hepatocytes and leak into the blood following lever cell damage
What are the two aminotransferases?
- Asparate aminotransferase (AST)
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Which of these is only raised in liver disease as apposed to other diseases?
ALT
Apart from AST and ALT what are some other tests you can do for liver function?
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- y-glatamyl transpeptidase (GGT)
- Total proteins and globulin fraction
- Additional blood investigation
What does an elevation in AST and ALT show?
Heptocellular injury
What does an elevation in bilirubin and ALP show?
Cholestatic disorder
What imaging technique is using done in investigations of the liver and biliary disease?
Abdominal US and CT (US first)
What are some complications of late stage cirrhosis?
- Ascites with abdominal swelling and discomfort
- Haematemesis and melaena due to blueing oesophageal varices????
- Confusion and drowsiness due to hepatic encephalopathy
