Liver Flashcards
Main functions of the liver (7)
- carbohydrate metabolism
- glycogen storage
- gluconeogenesis - protein metabolism
- utilisation of amino acids for protein synthesis and gluconeogenesis - storage of vitamins and minerals
- detoxification
- immune function
- heamotoligcal function
- lipids and lipoproteins
what proteins does liver synthesise? (4)
- albumin
- prothrombin
- fibrinogen
- clotting factors - bleeds more if compromised
hat vitamins liver stores? (7)
- vitamin A
- B2
- B3
- B6
- B12
- vitamin K
- folate
hat vitamins liver stores? (7)
- vitamin A
- B2
- B3
- B6
- B12
- vitamin K
- folate
how does liver detoxification (2)
- oxidation of alcohol
- deactivation of drugs in the cytochrome P450 system
what roles does liver play in immune function (2)
- tumor necrosis alpha production - compromise = impaired immune function
- cytokine signalling production
what haematological function of liver (1)
- synthesis of haem iron metabolism - also clotting factors
role of liver in lipid production? what can indicate impaired liver function? (2)
- production of triglycerides from free fatty acids
- cholesterol formation => lower serum cholesterol levels are not an indication of CVD risk. Can give an idea of how poor liver function is
Role of impaired liver function on glycogen storage?
Normally store up to 72 hours
end stage liver failure = 10-12 hours only so patients lose glycogen from muscle stores (catabolism)
Role of impaired liver function on glycogen storage?
Normally store up to 72 hours
end stage liver failure = 10-12 hours only so patients lose glycogen from muscle stores (catabolism)
2 roles of protein metabolism in liver - what measure can indicate liver function?
- synthesis of albumin, prothrombin, fibrinogen and clotting factors
- utilisation of amino acids for protein synthesis and gluconeogenesis
- end stage ALWYAS LO ALBUMIN = the lower the albumin the poorer liver function is
3 main causes of liver disease
fatty liver disease
hepatitis
alcohol
Name 7 causes and their aetiology of liver disease
- infections; viral hepatitis; cytomegalovirus
- metabolic = NAFLD and NASH
- autoimmune = autoimmune hepatitis; primary billiary cirrhosis (celiac patients/ inherited condition affecting fat absorption)
- biliary tract disease = primary sclerosis cholangitis (linked with UC)/ affects fat absorption
- vascular disorders = budd chiari
- metabolic disorders = glycogen storage disease (always need NG); Wilson’s disease (copper excess); haemochromatosis (iron accumulation); Alpha-1-trypsin deficiency
- other; sarcoidosis (idiopathic); cryptogenic
Difference between compensated and decompensated liver disease
compensated = no symptoms
decompensated = symptoms
symptoms of decompensated liver disease
- jaundice because of high bilirubin
- hepatic encephalopathy
- portal hypertension
- vatical bleeds
- ascites
cause and consequence of hepatic encephalopathy
build up of toxins, when ammonia builds up can’t excrete properly = causes cognitive dysfunction. 4 levels 1= mild; 4=severe, go to ICU, intubated to help rid of toxins
cause and consequence of portal hypertension
high blood pressure in portal vein of liver. Give diuretics to drain if worried about kidney function
name 4 stages of liver disease
- healthy
- fatty liver
- liver fibrosis
- liver cirrhosis
describe fatty liver - causes, consequence and if reversible
reversible - liver can still regenerate from this.
regardless of cause = deposits of fat in the liver
describe liver fibrosis - causes, consequence and if reversible - how diagnosed
can still reverse
scarring on liver starts to harden. diagnosed via fibre scan that detects amount of fibrosis in liver
cause and consequence of cirrhotic liver - can it be reversed?
end stage liver disease = unable to regenerate
can be asymptomatic
needs to be considered for transplant
main causes of malnutrition in liver disease
- malabsorption
- increased energy needs b/c stress factor
- inadequate oral intake
is albumin a good indicator of nutrition status in liver patient?
no. poor indicator of nutritional status in any patient with liver disease.
what are signs and symptoms of portal hypertension
Ascites
1. discomfort
2. breathlessness
3. feel bloated
consequences of portal hypertension? medical management?
can cause viriceal bleeds = happens in oesophageal tract affecting anywhere from mouth to anus because the pressure gets too much, they burst and bleed out of mouth, nose of bum
causes inadequate nutrition => if actively bleeding, unable to place NG = often patient isn’t eating can cause days of not eating
can be managed with blood pressure lowering medication
hat does PEM mean
protein energy metabolism
Causes and consequences of PE
What percentage of liver disease patients are malnourished?
Why is malnourishment so common? And what are the implications of being malnourished on clinical outcome?
What complications does malnourishment increase the risk of?
By how much can calorie and protein needs be increased by?
- malnutrition = common in compensated (20-40%) and decompensated (>80%) cirrhosis
- protein and carbohydrate metabolism = affected
- nutrition requirements for calories and protein = increased up to 60%
- increased complication risk = susceptibility to infections, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, worsening hepatic function, pre-surgical morbidity and lower survival in transplant
- loss of muscle mass = extreme - affects survival, length of hospital stay and recovery
- malnutrition significantly impacts quality of life, mobility and infection susceptability
what food restriction is needed in ascites?
salt - no added salt at table
why are PEM liver disease patients nutritional requirements +60%>
store glycogen in liver is compromised so breaks down glycogen stores in muscle and increase in gluconeogenesis occurs to meet needs