Jaundice and LFTs Flashcards
things that the liver makes
clotting factors bile acids glucose albumin cholesterol TAG angiotensin IGF
the liver neutralizes and destroys all ___
drugs and toxins
things stored in liver
glycogen, vits A, B12, D and K, copper and iron
8 LFTs
bilirubin aminotransferases alkaline phosphatase gamma GT albumin prothrombin time creatinine platelet count
relevance of bilirubin levels to liver function
bile pigment formed by liver from breakdown products of Hb. Elevated in liver damage
what is haemolysis
breakdown of RBCs
where is bilirubin made
the spleen
how is the liver involved in bilirubin production
it conjugates it (solubises it)
what condition is caused by raised bilirubin
jaundice
how does liver damage cause elevated bilirubin
liver isn’t clearing bilirubin from blood effectively to excrete it
how does haemolysis cause raised bilirubin
excess breakdown of Hb means more bilirubin made
what state is bilirubin in before it reaches the liver
unconjugated - bound to albumin
what is an aminotransferase
enzyme in hepatocytes: important for formation of amino acids from keto-acids
what conditions are aminotransferases raised in
hepatocellular disease and viral hepatits
alkaline phosphatase test
enzyme in bile ducts that is raised in obstruction of liver infiltratino
gamma GT
enzyme often tested along with alkaline phosphatase to confirm the liver is the source
why do gamma GT along with alkaline phosphatase
because alkaline phosphatase is present outside liver so doing gamma GT confirms the liver as the source
what kind of people is alkaline phosphatase often raised in
pregnant women
lifestyle causes of raised gamma GT
alcohol abuse and NSAIDs