LFTs

Question 1

LFTs

liver damage markers

Answer 1

ALT
AST
GGT
Alk Phos

• live in hepatocytes
• when hepatocytes are damaged/die, they leak out
• measure of how badly the liver is damaged

Question 2

True LFTs

Answer 2

Albumin
Prothrombin time
Bilirubin

• measure the function of the liver

Question 3

Albumin

Answer 3

Protein made by the liver
Lifespan of around 6 weeks
Long term liver marker
Decreases in ascites

Question 4

Prothrombin time

Answer 4

Gives a very quick LFT

Short term liver marker

Question 5

GGT

- what causes it to rise?

Answer 5

Excessive alcohol intake increases GGT levels

Question 6

Increased GGT
Normal Alk phos
- what is the cause?

Answer 6

Toxic (alcohol) poisoning

Question 7

Alk phos

Answer 7

Can be increased in bones

Question 8

AST

- what causes it to rise?

Answer 8

Alcoholic liver disease (wASTed)

Question 9

Hepatic LFTs

Answer 9

Rise in ALT and AST
- due to hepatocyte damage/injury
Other LFTs within normal limits

Question 10

Hepatic LFTs

- conditions

Answer 10

Autoimmune hepatitis
HBV
HCV
NAFLD

Question 11

Cholestatic LFTs

Answer 11

Rise in Alk phos, GGT, bilirubin

Question 12

Cholestatic LFTs

- cause

Answer 12

Due to bile not flowing out of the liver properly

Question 13

Cholestatic LFTs

- conditions

Answer 13

Gallstones 
Carcinoma of the head of the pancreas
Cholangiocarcinoma
PBC
PSC