Jaundice and Chronic Liver Disease Flashcards
What are the synthetic functions of the liver?
Clotting factors Bile acids Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids Hormones
What are the detoxification functions of the liver?
Urea production from ammonia
Drug detoxification
Bilirubin metabolism
Breakdown of insulin and hormones
What are the immune functions of the liver?
Combat infections
Clear blood of particles/infections inc. bacteria
Neutralise + destroy all drugs and toxins
What is the storage function of the liver?
Stores: Glycogen Vitamin A, D, B12 and K Copper Iron
What are the liver function tests?
Bilirubin Aminotransferases Gamma GT Albumin Prothrombin time Creatinine Platelet count
What does elevated bilirubin suggest?
Pre-hepatic: haemolysis
Hepatic: parenchymal damage
Post-hepatic: obstructive
What does elevated gamma GT suggest?
alcohol use
drugs e.g. NSAIDS
What does low levels of albumin suggest?
Chronic liver disease
May be low in kidney disorders/malnutrition
What is prothrombin time test used for?
Indicates degree of liver dysfunction
Determines who needs a liver transplant
What is creatinine test used for?
Determines survival from liver disease - helpful in deciding who gets transplant
What does low platelet count suggest?
Cirrhosis
Indirect marker of portal hypertension
What are the symptoms that occur when the liver stops working?
Jaundice
Ascites
Variceal bleeding
Hepatic encephalopathy
What causes jaundice?
Excess circulating bilirubin
What is pre-hepatic jaundice?
Increased quantity of bilirubin
Impaired transport
What is hepatic jaundice?
Defective uptake of bilirubin
Defective conjugation
Defective excretion