jaundice and liver blood tests Flashcards
1
Q
what questions should you ask about someone with jaundice? 3
A
- Is there an obstruction the flow of bile?
does the patient have hepatitis? Viral, drug induced, autoimmune - Does the patient have chronic liver disease?
- Is there haemolysis? (Unconjugated bilirubin)
2
Q
what is important points in the history for people with jaundice? 10
A
- Pruritus
- Weight/ appetite loss
- Pain
- Fevers
- Lethargy
- Other illnesses
- Alcohol
- Viral hepatitis risk: travel, blood transfusions, tattoos, sexual history
- Drug history
- Family history
3
Q
what are the signs of chronic liver disease on examination? 8
A
- Jaundice
- Spicer naevi
- Palmer erythema
- Leukonychia
- Dupyten’s contracture
- Ascites
- Gynaecomastia
- Splenomegaly
4
Q
what is a fibroscan? 3
A
- Transient elastography
- Measure of liver stiffness
- Correlates with fibrosis
5
Q
what is a liver biopsy used for? 3
A
- Confirm/ establish diagnosis
- Staging
- Assess treatment/ disease progress
