Jaundice & Chronic Liver Disease Flashcards
Liver function: synthetic?
clotting factors bile acids carbohydrates proteins lipids hormones
Liver function: detoxification?
urea produced from ammonia
detoxification of drugs
bilirubin metabolism
breakdown of insulin and hormones
Liver function: immune?
combating infection
clearing the blood of particles and infections including bacteria
neutralising and destroying all drugs and toxins
Liver function: storage?
glycogen storage
vitamins A, D, B12 and K
stores copper and iron
Liver function tests: Bilirubin
product of haem metabolism
bound to albumin
conjugated in liver
Liver function tests: aminotransferase
enzyme present in hepatocytes
suggests parenchymal involvement
Liver function tests: AlkP
enzyme present in bile ducts
elevated with obstruction or liver infiltration
also present in bone, placenta and intestines
Liver function tests: GammaGT
non-specific liver enzyme
elevated with alcohol use
confirms liver source of ALP
NSAIDs can raise levels
Liver function tests: Albumin
important test for synthetic function of liver
low levels suggest chronic liver disease
can be low in renal impairment and malnutrition
Liver function tests: prothrombin time
extremely important test for liver function, tests degree of liver dysfunction
used to calculate scores to decide stage of liver disease (receives livers)
Liver function tests: Creatinine
essential kidney function
determines survival from liver disease
critical assessment for need for transplant
Liver function tests: platelet count
liver is an important source for thrombopoietin
cirrhosis results in splenomegaly
platelets low in cirrhotic subjects as a result of hypersplenism
indirect marker of portal hypertension
when is jaundice detectable?
when total plasma bilirubin level exceed 34µmol/L
