Lecture 11: Diseases of the Liver Flashcards
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, malaise, and aversion to smoking are characteristic early symptoms of which viral infections?
HAV and HBV
What is the #1 risk factor for contracting HAV?
International travel
Detection of what antibody is an excellent test for diagnosing ACUTE HAV?
IgM anti-HAV
Glomerulonephritis, serum sickness, and polyarteritis nodosa are symptoms that may arise with what type of hepatitis viral infection?
HBV
Which labs may be elevated in HAV infection?
- Markedly elevated AST/ALT
- Elvated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase = Cholestasis
Which antibody indicates immunity/clearance of HBV?
Anti-HBs Ab
Persistence of what in the serum for >6 months after acute illness w/ HBV signifies a chronic HBV infection?
HBsAg
Which antibody appears during acute HBV infection and persists indefinetely?
IgG anti-HBc
Which subset of patients have shown chronic infections due to HEV with progression to cirrhosis?
Transplant pts treated w/ tacrolimus
If an unvaccinated person is exposed to HBV (i.e., during sex or at birth) what is the recommended therapy?
- Give hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) immediately up to 14 days post-exposure
- Also give them the vaccine (3 doses)
What is the most sensitive indicator of HCV infection?
HCV RNA
If a patient is found to have anti-HCV in serum, without HCV RNA in the serum what does this indicate?
Recovery from prior HCV infection
What is the effect of chronic HCV infection on serum cholesterol levels?
Decreased
What is the only marker found in the serum during the “window period” of HBV infection?
IgM anti-HBc Ab
Which hepatitis viruses can become chronic?
- HBV
- HCV
- HDV (w/ HBV)
Mixed cryiglobulinemia is an extraintestinal manifestation associated with chronic infection by which virus?
HCV
Which 2 tests can ID presence or absence of fibrosis (cirrhosis) in chronic hepatitis?
- Serum FibroSure and/or
- US elastography
What are 2 drugs associated with idiosyncratic drug induced liver injury?
- Isoniazid
- Sulfonamides
What are 2 common dose-depent causes of drug/toxin induced liver injury?
- Mushroom poisoning
- Acetaminophen
What is the specific therapy used in treating acetaminophen OD’s?
Important to check acetaminophen at what time period?
- Treat w/ sulfhydryl compounds (N-acetylcysteine aka NAC)
- Important to get a 4 hour acetaminophen level
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How soon should therapy be administered for somone who ingests a toxic dose of acetaminophen?
Within 8 hours, but may be effective if given as late as 24-36 hrs after OD
Which tool is used during the assessment/treatment of someone with a suspected Acetaminophen OD?
Rumack-Matthew Nomogram
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Massive hepatic necrosis with impaired consciousness occuring within 8 weeks of the onset of illness is known as?
Fulminant Hepatitis
What are the findings that when summed together equal hepatic failure with encephalopathy?
What is occuring to levels of aminotransferases?
- Rapidly shrinking liver + Rapidly rising bilirubin + marked prolongation of the PT + clinical signs of confusion, disorientation, somnolence, ascites, and edema
- Even as aminotransferase levels fall!
The intake of what should be restricted in a patient with hepatic failure + encephalopathy?
Protein
Which drugs should be administered in someone suffering from hepatic failure w/ encephalopathy?
Lactulose or Neomycin
Meticulous intensive care + _____________ = one factor that improves survival in patients with hepatic failure + encephalopathy?
Prophylactic antibiotic coverage
Which 2 values are used to calculate a Maddrey’s discriminant function?
Used in which patients to assess what?
- PT and serum bilirubin
- Used to assess risk of mortality in pts with alcoholic hepatitis
Which calculated value associated w/ a Maddrey’s discriminant function indicates a poor prognosis in pts with alcoholic hepatitis?
≥32
A score of what calculated using the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is associated w/ significant mortality in alcoholic hepatitis?
>21
Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis Score predicts mortality using which 5 factors?
Patients receiving which drug and a score of ≥9 have higher survival rates than those who didn’t?
- Age, Serum bilirubin, BUN, PT, and peripheral WBC count
- ≥9 who received glucocorticoids
In patients with alcoholic steatosis what may be the only laboratory abnormality?
Mild liver enzyme elevations
Leukocytosis with a shift to the left is common in patients in which stage of alcohol related liver damage?
Severe alcoholic hepatitis
A liver biopsy of a patient with alcoholic hepatitis will often have identical findings of what other disorder?
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
What are the serum levels of AlkPhos, GGT, and bilirubin like in a patient with alcoholic hepatitis?
Typically elevated
If glucose is administered during the treatment of somone with alcoholic hepatitis what must be added?
Thiamine –> can precipitate Wernicke-Korsakoff if not given
A patient with alcoholic hepatitis should be given what supplements during treatment?
- Thiamine
- Daily MV
- Folic acid
- Zinc
Wernicke Encephalopathy vs. Korsakoff Syndrome?
Wernicke = confusion, ataxia, and involuntary eye movements
Korsakoff = severe memory issues, confabulation/making up stories
With severe alcoholic hepatitis (discriminant function ≥32 or MELD >20) what therapy should be considered?
What is an alternative to this therapy and has demonstrated improved survival (decreased hepatorenal syndrome)?
- Steroids
- Pentoxifylline = has demonstrated improved survivial (decreased hepatorenal syndrome)
What is absolutely critical for a patient with severe alcoholic hepatitis to do if they are to be considered for a liver transplant?
Abstain from alcohol for 6 months
Which ethnic group are at increased risk for NAFLD?
Hispanics
What are 2 factors that protect against the development of NAFLD?
1) Coffee
2) Exercise
Which toxin is associated with fatty liver change?
Vinyl chloride
What is the histological characteristic of NAFLD?
Focal infiltration by PMN’s and Mallory hyaline
Cirrhosis caused by NASH appears to be uncommon in which ethnic group?
African Americans
Lab values in person with NAFLD?
- Mildly elevated Aminotransferase and AlkPhos
- 80% of patients with hepatic steatosis will have normal labs!
Most common signs and symptoms of PBC?
- Pruritus
- Fatigue
- Progressive jaundice
- Xanthelasma
What are 4 relevant pieces of someones hx that are risk factors for PBC?
1) UTI’s (caused by E. coli or L. delbrueckii)
2) Smoking
3) Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy
4) Hair dye
Autoimmune hepatitis is associated with an increased risk for what cancer?
Heptaocellular CA
Which drug is used for the treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis?
Glucocorticoids
Hemochromatosis typically manifests when?
After the age of 50
Major clinical manifestations of Hemochromatosis?
- Hepatic abnormalities –> Cirrhosis
- Heart failure
- Hypogonadism
- Arthritis
Patients with Hemochromatosis are at an increased risk for infection by what 3 organisms?
- Vibrio vulnificus
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Yersinia enterocolitica
What are the major lab findings associated with Hemochromatosis?
- Mildly abnormal liver tests (ALT, AlkPhos)
- Elevated plasma iron w/ GREATER than 45% transferrin saturation
- Elevated serum ferritin
What are 3 risk factors for advanced fibrosis in a patient w/ Hemochromatosis?
- Male sex
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
Iron studies and HFE testing should be done in whom?
ALL first-degree family members
What should patients with Hemochromatosis avoid in their diet?
- Foods rich in iron (i.e., red meat) + iron supplements
- Alcohol
- Vitamin C
- Raw shellfish
Which treatment is indicated for all symptomatic patients w/ Hemochromatosis?
Weekly phlebotomies of 1 or 2 units of blood
What can be given to patients that have hemochromatosis + anemia or w/ secondary iron overload due to thalassemia who cannot tolerate phlebotomies?
Deferoxamine
Wilson disease is associated with excess copper deposition in the tissue, especially in which 4 places?
- Liver
- Brain
- Cornea
- Kidney
Low serum _______ levels can be useful in the diagnosis of Wilson Disease
Ceruloplasmin
Budd-Chiari Syndrome is associated with __________ (painful/painless) hepatomegaly, jaundice, splenomegaly, and ascites
Budd-Chiari Syndrome is associated with painful hepatomegaly, jaundice, splenomegaly, and ascites
Caval webs and right-sided heart failure lead to what characteristic liver finding in Budd-Chiari Syndrome?
Nutmeg liver = centrilobular congestion
What is the screening test of choice for Budd-Chiari syndrome?
Which lobe of the liver will be most prominent?
- Contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) —-> Color or pulsed-Doppler US
- Prominent CAUDATE liver lobe
Treatments of choice fo alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency?
- Smoking abstinence/cessation
- Liver transplant
Which therapy given prior to admission of someone with heart failure may protect against ischemic hepatitis?
Statin therapy
What are the hallmark lab findings associated with ischemic hepatitis due to heart failure?
- Elevation of serum aminotrasnferase levels, often >5000 units/L
- Early rapid rise in the serum LDH level
In right heart failure and patients with passive congestion of the liver (“nutmeg liver”) which reflux is present?
With tricuspid regurgitation what may be seen at the liver?
- Hepatojugular reflux is present
- With tricuspid regurgiation the liver may be pulsatile
What are the 3 major causes of non-cirrhotic portal HTN?
- Portal vein thrombosis
- Splenic vein obstruction = gastric varices w/o esophageal varices
- Schistosomiasis
Treatment of thrombocytopenia with eltrombopag has been shown to be a risk factor for what?
Noncirrhotic Portal HTN
Symptoms/signs of noncirrhotic portal HTN?
Especially if due to acute portal vein thrombosis?
- Acute portal vein thrombosis usually causes abdominal pain
- Splenomegaly
- GI bleeding
If splenic vein thrombosis is the cause of variceal bleeding, which procedure is curative?
Splenectomy
What is the most common identifiable cause of hepatic abscess in the US?
Some cases (10%) due to what other causes?
- Ascending cholangitis = most common
- Appendicitis or Diverticulitis = 10% of cases
What are the most frequently encountered organisms responsible for Hepatic Abscesses/Ascending Cholangitis?
- E. coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Enterobacter aerogenes
- Proteus vulgaris
Pyogenic liver abscess has been observed ti be associated with an increased risk of?
GI malignancy
What is the most common benign neoplasm of the liver?
How is most often discovered?
- Cavernous hemangioma
- Often incidental finding on US or CT
Cavernous hemangiomas are known to enlarge in whom?
Woman who take hormonal therapy
Which hypervascular mass found in the liver is not a true neoplasm, but instead a proliferation of hepatocytes in reponse to altered blood flow?
Focal nodular hyperplasia
Are oral contraceptives a risk factor for focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver?
Probably NOT
Which benign neoplasm of the liver occurs most commonly in women in the the 3rd-4th decades of life?
Major risk factor?
- Hepatocellular adenoma
- Usually caused by oral contraceptives
Which benign neoplasm of the liver is hypervascular and which is hypovascular?
- Focal nodular hyperplasia = HYPERvascular
- Hepatocellular adenoma = HYPOvascular
The only physical finding in focal nodular hyperplasia or hepatocellular adenoma is what in a minority of cases?
Palpable abdominal mass
Which 2 imaging techniques can distinguish an hepatocellular adenoma from focal nodular hyperplasia in 80-90% of cases?
- Arterial phase helical CT, and
- Multiphase dynamic MRI w/ contrast
What is the treatment for focal nodular hyperplasia?
Discountinuation of OC’s?
- OC’s should not necessarily be discontinued
- Affected women should undero annual US for 2-3 yrs to ensure lesion is not enlarging
What is the treatment for Hepatocellular Adenomas?
Discountinuation of OC’s?
- Resection is advised in all affected men/women in whom the tumor causes sx’s or is 5cm or > in diameter, even in absence of sx’s
- Regression may follow cessation of OC’s
What is the initial treatment for a Hepatocellular Adenoma that is complicated by hemorrhage?
Transarterial embolization
What are the 3 types of Cirrhosis which can be present?
- Compensated
- Compensated w/ varices
- Decompensated (ascites, variceal bleeding, encephalopathy, or jaundice)
Which dermatologic manifestations may be present with Cirrhosis?
- Palmar erythema
- Spinger telangiectasias
- Jaundice
- Glossitis and Cheilosis –> related to vitamin deficiencies
A CBC of someone with Cirrhosis will characteristically show what?
PT time?
- Anemia (microcytic due to blood loss, macrocytic due to folate deficiency; hemolytic)
- Pancytopenia (hypersplenism)
- Prolonged PT
What are the characteristic chemistry labs (Na+, K+, glucose, and albumin) associated with Cirrhosis?
- Hyponatremia
- Hypokalemic alkalosis
- Glucose disturbances
- Hypoalbunimemia
Higher consumption of what has been reported to reduce risk of cirrhosis?
- Coffee
- Tea
Which GI malabsorption syndromes have been implicated in the development of Cirrhosis?
- Celiac disease
- Cystic Fibrosis
4 most common causes of Cirrhosis?
- Alcohol
- Chronic HCV infection
- NAFLD
- HBV infection
Definitive diagnosis of Cirrhosis often depends on?
Liver biopsy –> percutaneous, jugular, or open
Which scoring system can be used to predict the severity of cirrhosis and risk of complications?
Child-Pugh scoring system
What findings/labs are necessary to use the Child-Pugh scoring system for cirrhosis?
- Order: CMP or Hepatic function panel (serum bilirubin, albumin), PT/INR
- PE for: ascites and encephalopathy
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Patients with Cirrhosis are at increased risk for what metabolic sydrome?
What vitamin deficiency is often present?
- Diabetes mellitus
- Vitamin D deficiency
Elevation of the hepatic venous pressure gradient with portal HTN is associated with an increase in which pressure (Starling)?
Increased hydrostatic pressure
Portal vein thrombosis, Splenic vein thrombosis, and Massive Splenomegaly are _____-hepatic causes of portal HTN
Portal vein thrombosis, Splenic vein thrombosis, and Massive Splenomegaly are pre-hepatic causes of portal HTN
What are 2 sinusoidal causes of portal HTN?
1) Cirrhosis
2) Alcoholic hepatitis
Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction (venoocclusive syndrome) is classified as being a __________ cause of portal HTN
Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction (venoocclusive syndrome) is classified as being a postsinusoidal cause of portal HTN
Which class of drugs recommended to reduce the risk of 1st variceal hemorrhage in pts with medium/large varices or pts with small varices that have variceal red wale marks or advanced cirrhosis?
Nonselective beta-adrenergic blockers
Which 2 diagnostic modalities can be utilized to determine whether varices are present in a pt?
- EGD
- Capsule endoscopy
Encephalopathy may complicate an episode of GIB in patients with severe liver disease, which drug can be given to combat this and is the mainstay of treatment?
Lactulose
What are the 4 stages of overt encephalopathy associated with severe liver disease?
- Mild confusion
- Drowsiness
- Stupor
- Coma
Most common cause of ascites is __________ secondary to ________.
Most common cause of ascites is portal HTN secondary to chronic liver disease.
Which imaging modality reliably establishes the presence of fluid in ascites?
Abdominal ultrasound
Which technique is performed on all patients with new onset ascites, patients admitted to hospital w/ cirrhosis + ascites, and when pts with known ascites deteriorate clinically?
Abdominal paracentesis
What is the most important test/study performed on ascitic fluid?
WBC count w/ differential
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Which finding on examination of Ascitic Fluid is highly suggestive of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)?
PMN count greater than 250/mcL (neutrocytic ascites)
Which study performed on Ascitic Fluid is the single best test for classification of ascites?
Serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG)
What does an SAAG of 1.1 g/dL or more vs. SAAG of less than 1.1 g/dL tell you about the classification of the ascites?
- Portal HTN = SAAG of 1.1 g/dL or more
- Nonportal HTN = SAAG of less than 1.1 g/dL
How is the serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) calculated?
*One of the LO’s!*
Ascitic fluid albumin - serum albumin
Abdominal US + Doppler allows for vascular evaluation and to detect which cause of hepatic dysfunction?
Budd-Chiari syndrome
What is the SAAG value associated with Hypoalbuminemia and its associated causes i.e., Nephrotic Syndrome, Protein-losing enteropahty, and Severe malnutrition w/ anasarca?
SAAG = < 1.1 g/dL
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Myxedema (aka severe hypothyroidism) is associated with an SAAG value of?
SAAG = >1.1 g/DL
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A diseased peritoneum associated w/ infections, malignant conditions, and others (i.e., familial meditteranean fever, vasculitis, granulomatous peritonitis, and eosiniphilic peritonitis) is associated with what SAAG value?
SAAG = <1.1 g/dL
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Spontaneous (primary) bacterial peritonitis (SBP) occurs in the absence of?
Absence of an apparent intra-abdominal source of infection
Which type of bacteria are not assocated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?
Anaerobic bacteria
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is caused by a (mono/polymicrobial) infection?
- Monomicrobial
- Most common = E. coli, Klebsiella, S. pneumonia, V. streptococci, Enterococcus
What is the most important diagnostic test for Spontaneous (primary) Bacterial Peritonitis?
Abdominal paracentesis —> WBC count w/ differential
How is the cause of secondary bacterial peritonitis different from spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?
How can they be distinguished?
- Secondary is due to ascitic fluid becoming secondarily infected by an intra-abdominal cause
- Presence of multiple organisms on ascitic fluid gram stain or culture is diagnostic of seondary peritonitis
Since 70% of people who survive an episode of SBP will have another episode within 1 year, what is done clinically as prevention?
Oral once-daily prophylactic therapy
What is the emperic therapy for SBP?
- Third-generation cephalosporin IV (Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone), OR
- Combo beta-lactam/beta-lactamase agent (Ampicillin/Sulbactam)
Due to a high risk of nephrotoxicity in patients with chronic liver disease which antibiotic class should not be used to treat SBP?
Aminoglycosides
What type of injury develops in 40% of patients with SBP and is a major cause of death?
How can this be dealt with clinically?
- Kidney injury
- Give IV albumin
What is the most effective treatment for reccurent SBP?
Liver transplant
Malignant ascites is associated with which value of SAAG?
Most common causes are primary adenocarcinomas arising from where?
- SAAG = < 1.1 g/dL
- Ovary, uterus, pancreas, stomach, colon, lung, or breast
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Symptoms presenting in a patient younger than 20 with episodic bouts of acute peritonitis that may be associated with serositis involving the joints and pleura is associated with what disorder?
Familial Mediterranean Fever
Familial Mediterranean Fever is characterized by peritoneal attacks w/ sudden onset of fever, severe abdominal pain, and tenderness, what occurs if these attacks are left untreated?
Resolve witin 24-48 hours
Which medication has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of the peritoneal attacks associated with Familial Mediterranean Fever?
Colchicine
What is the ascitic fluid and cytology like in Mesothelioma?
- Ascitic fluid often hemorrhagic
- Cytology is often negative
Which type of ascites is characterized by the accumulation of milky, lipid-rich lymph in the peritoneal cavity w/ triglyceride levels >1000 mg/dL?
Most common cause(s)?
- Chylous Ascites
- Lymphoma, post-op trauma, cirrhosis, tuberculosis, pancreatitis, and filariasis
Is pain associated with Pancreatic Ascites?
NO, since pancreatic enzymes are not acitvated
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What will paracentesis of Bile Ascites reveal?
Ratio of ascites bilirubin to serum bilirubin?
- Yellow fluid on paracentesis
- Ascites bilirubin:serum bilirubin = >1.0
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Most important treatment measure for Cirrhosis?
Which vaccines should be given?
- Abstinence from alcohol = most important
- HAV, HBV, pneumococcal, and yearly influenza should be given
Which drug is contraindicated in cirrhosis?
Which 2 drug classes should be avoided?
- NSAIDs = CONTRAINDICATED
- ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II antagonists = should be avoided
Which procedure has shown benefit in the treatment of severe refractory ascites, and is an effective tx of variceal bleeding refractory to standard treatment (i.e., endoscopic band ligation)?
Transjugular Intraheptic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)
What has been associated with mortality after TIPS procedure?
- Chronic kideny disease
- Diastolic cardiac dysfunction
- Refractory encephalopathy
- Hyperbilirubinemia
What is often the precipitating even of Hepatorenal Syndrome and how do the kidneys appear histologically?
- Acute decrease in cardiac output = precipitating event
- Kidneys appear normal
Treatment of choice for Hepatorenal Syndrome?
Liver transplant
What are the 2 prognostic scoring systems for Cirrhosis?
1) Child-pugh score –> CMP or HFP (serum bilirubin, albumin), PT/INR and PE for ascites and encephalopathy
2) MELD score —> CMP (serum bilirubin and creatinine), PT/INR
What tests must be ordered to calculate a MELD score?
*NEED TO KNOW*
- CMP —> serum bilirubin and creatinine levels
- PT/INR
Which MELD score is required for liver transplant listing?
MELD score >14