Liver 2.37-44 Flashcards
Arthralgia in liver disease?
Haemochromatosis, Hep B, AIH.
Extent of AST/ALT rise and significance?
1.5-3* ULN = ALD/NAFLD; >3* ULN in viral/drug-induced/AIH.
Serology in AIH?
Raised ANA, anti-SMA (smooth muscle antibody) and IgG. May have history of AI disease.
Serology and folate in ALD/NAFLD?
Raised IgA (with low folate in ALD)
Testing for active Hep C?
RNA PCR/Ag.
Anti-HCV?
Could be current or past infection; need PCR to see if viraemic. 25% will clear spontaneously.
AST/ALT in ALD?
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- Caused by low ALT activity.
Drugs that can cause CLD?
Paracetamol mainly acute; chronic inc. methotrexate, nitrofurantoin, amiodarone so good DHx needed.
Signs of CLD?
Nail clubbing, palmar erythema, spider naevi, gynaecomastia, paucity of pubic/axillary hair, testicular atrophy, small/irregular liver, anaemia, caput medusae
Signs of decomp CLD?
Drowsiness/hyperventilation/asterixis/fs/foetur hepaticus (encehalopathy), jaundice, ascites, leukonychia, peripheral oedema, ecchymoses, respiratory alkalosis.
Anaemia in CLD?
Can be 2ndary to GI bleed (PT prolonged), hypersplenism caused by portal HTN (megaloblastic), alcohol (macrocytosis).
Most common haem. abnormality in CLD?
Thrombocytopenia (haemodilution, splenomegaly, reduced thrombopoiesis).
Bloods suggesting ethanol use?
Very high GGT (not a reliable measure), macrocytosis, hyperuricaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia.
Lipid abnormality in obstructive jaundice?
Marked hypercholesterolaemia!
Most specific marker for hepatocyte damage?
Probably ALT/PT. PT also affected by vit K deficiency, warfarin, malabsorption etc.
Why give ADH/terlopressin in GI bleed (caused by ruptured varices)?
ADH stimulates vWF (terlopressin is ADH analogue); also reduces portal HTN.
Causes of ascites with low SAAG?
Peritoneal carcinomatosis, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, serositis.
Acute vs chronic GI bleed MCV?
Acute is normocytic; may not be apparent until resuscitate. Chronic causes IDA so is microcytic.
Glasgow-Blatchford score?
Predicts likelihood of needing intervention following acute UGI bleed.
How to confirm Gilbert’s?
Suspect with isolated raised bilirubin; subsequent fasting bilirubin should be further elevated still.
Indications of advanced ALD?
Splenomegaly, other signs of portal HTN on USS, low platelets, low albumin, raised bilirubin.
PBC clinical features?
Raised ALP, +ve AMA (anti-mitochondrial antibodies), IgM elevated, F (:M 10:1), middle aged. ITCH, fatigue, poor cognition, (dry eyes/mouth [other AI disease]). May present with jaundice/advanced liver disease. See xanthelasma/xanthomas. Diagnosis: compatible history, cholestatic LFTs, +ve AMA (no biopsy needed). 2 = probable, 3 = definite. Biopsy can be helpful to stage.Granulomatous inflammation and obliteration of intrahepatic ducts. Bilirubin predicts prognosis.
Diseases associated with PBC?
RA, Sjogren’s (80% of cases).
Extrahepatic Cx of PBC?
Osteoporosis/osteopenia.