Jaundice And Chronic Liver Disease Flashcards
What clues in a history would suggest pre hepatic jaundice?
History of anaemia
Acholuric jaundice
What clues in a history would suggest hepatic jaundice?
Risk factors for liver disease
Decompensation
What clues in a history would suggest post hepatic jaundice?
Abdominal pain
Cholestasis
What clinical signs would suggest pre hepatic jaundice?
Pallor
Splenomegaly
What clinical signs would suggest hepatic jaundice?
Stigmata of CLD (spider naevi, gynaeomastia)
Ascites
Asterixis
What clinical signs would suggest post hepatic jaundice?
Palpable gall bladder
What is the most important investigation in jaundice?
Abdominal ultrasound
What is the definition of chronic liver disease?
Liver disease that persists beyond 6 months
Describe the clinical features of ascites
Examination shows dullness in flanks and shifting dullness
Can be confirmed by ultrasound
Corroborating evidence:
Spider naevi, palmar erythema, abdominal veins, fetor hepaticus, umbilical nodule, JVP elevation, flank haematoma
What tests are needed with new onset of ascites?
A diagnostic paracentesis
Protein and albumin concentration
Cell count and differential
SAAG (serum-ascites albumin gradient)
What diseases are indicated by a low-albumin gradient in cases of ascites?
Malignancy TB Chylous ascites Pancreatic disease Biliary ascites Nephrotic syndrome Serositis
What diseases are indicated by a high-albumin gradient?
Portal hypertension CHF Constrictive pericarditis Budd Chiarri Myxedema Massive liver metastases
What SAAG is referred to as a low-albumin gradient and a high-albumin gradient?
>1.1g/dl = high <1.1g/dl = low
What treatment options are available for ascites?
Diuretics Large volume paracentesis TIPS Aquaretics Liver transplantation
What condition causes varices?
Portal hypertension