LFTs Flashcards
Main components
ALT - Alanine Aminotransferase AST - Aspartate Aminotransferase Bilirubin Albumin GGT - Gamma GT INR ALP - Alkaline Phosphatase
What raises ALT?
Liver problems, less so wiht bile duct issues
A very high ALT indicates hepatitis
What changes AST?
High levels - Liver/heart/muscle problems
AST changes more quickl basd on current acute damage/necrosis, so is good for monitoring progression/recovery.
Raised AST:
- Viral Hep
- Alcoholic Cirrhosis
- Chronic Cirrhosis
Mildly raises could be:
- Liver mets
- Steatosis
What changes ALP?
Found largely in cells lining bile duct
So bile duct blockage rises it alot
Minorly raised in liver disease
What affects Gamma GT?
OBstruction of bile ducts raises GGT, good for confirming that a raised ALP is related to Liver damage
What does bilirubin tell you?
ITs raised in jaundice, mostly in obstructive jaundice
What could reduce Albumin?
- Diarrhoea
- Liver disease
- Poor diet
- Fe Deficiency
- Infection
ALP raised & ALT slightly raised?
Bile duct problem
ALT raised & ALP slightly raised?
Liver problem
Very high ALT & slightly high AST?
Necrosis of liver:
- Viral
- Drug induced
- Severe
AST raised and ALT slightly raised?
Alcoholic or drug induced cirrhosis
Pattern of obstructive LFTs?
- High bilirubin
- High ALP
- Normal ALT
Pattern of heaptic LFTs?
Acute liver inflammation:
- Very High ALT
- Variable Bilirubin (higher = more damage)
- Slightly raised ALP
- Increased PTT