Lecture 9 - liver diseases

Question 1

What are the primary functions of the liver?

Answer 1

Metabolism (Cytochrome P450), Excretion (bile), Storage (glycogen, vitamins), Immunological function, Thermoregulation, and Synthesis (clotting factors, proteins, bile acids).

Question 2

Define liver impairment and liver failure

Answer 2

liver impairment is deterioration in liver function which may range for mid to severe. liver failure is severe hepatic dysfunction with symptoms like encephalogy and coagulopathy which could indicate acute or end stage cirrhosis

Question 3

What is the difference between hepatocellular injury and cirrhosis?

Answer 3

Hepatocellular injury involves inflammation of hepatocytes (hepatitis), while cirrhosis results from long-term liver damage leading to fibrosis and nodular liver tissue replacement.

Question 4

Which enzymes are used to assess liver function?

Answer 4

Transaminases (ALT/AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), Bilirubin, Albumin, PT, INR, and clotting factors.

Question 5

what are other liver assessments sued to test liver function ?

Answer 5

other blood tests such as immunological markers, and virological markers, imaging techniques, biopsy, fibroscan, child Pugh score - severity of the liver disease

Question 6

what is the significance of transaminases ALT and AST

Answer 6

transaminases ALT and AST are found in hepatocytes released from hepatocytes when they are damaged. ALT Is more specific to the liver. AST is present in heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney