Jaundice & LFTs Flashcards
what is albumin levels measure
synthetic function
what does bilirubin levels measure
jaundice - clinically detectable when >40 mmol/l
what does PT time measure
prolonged time indicates decreased clotting factors
what does AST and ALT signify
increased hepatocyte damage
what does ALP and GGT signify
increased biliary damage / cholestasis (reduction of bile flow - dark urine etc) / alcohol abuse
what is prehepatic jaundice
excess haemolysis = increased bilirubin entering liver
what causes preheptic jaundice
haemolytic anaemia malaria sickle cell anaemia newborns gilberts syndrome (doesnt process bilirubin properly)
characteristics of prehepatic jaundice
everything normal
normal/increased unconjugated bilirubin
normal/increased total bilirubin
what is intrahepatic jaundice
defects in conjugation of bilirubin within liver = hepatocellular damage
what causes intrahepatic jaundice
hepatitis, drugs, cirrhosis and pregnancy
what is characteristics of intra hepatic jaundice
increase in total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, unconjugaed, ALP, ALT, AST, PT
normal GGT
decreased serum albumin
dark urine, pale stool
what is post hepatic jaundice
obstruction of bile flow out of liver (cholestasis)
dilated bile ducts and backflow of bile
what causes post hepatic jaundice
gall stones, pancreatitis, carcinoma of gall bladder/pancreas/bile duct, biliary stricture, sclerosing cholangitis (inflammation and scarring of bile ducts), PBC,
what is characteristics of post hepatic jaundice
increased total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, ALP, ALT, AST, PT and GGT
normal unconjugated bilirubin and serum albumin
(AST may be normal)
dark urine, pale stool
ALT/AST > ALP
billi N/increased
hepatocellular injury (intrahepatic)
