Liver conditions Flashcards
name 7 functions of the liver
oestrogen regulation
detoxification
metabolises carbohydrates
albumin production
clotting factor production
bilirubin regulation
immunity (kupffer cells)
what are 3 markers of liver function and how would they indicate liver damage
bilirubin- increased
albumin- decreased
prothrombin time- increased
the presence of which 4 enzymes indicates liver disease
ALT
AST
GGT
ALP
describe the process of liver cirrhosis
cirrhosis= result of chronic inflammation + damage 2 liver cells
when liver cells damaged
-replaced w. scar tissue= fibrosis
-nodules of scar tissue within liver= regenerative nodules
common and rarer causes of liver cirrhosis & risk factors
mc= ALD, NAFLD, hep B + C
rarer= haemochromatosis, A1AT def, Wilson’s disease
RFs= alcohol misuse, IVDU, unprotected sex, obesity
presentations of liver cirrhosis
hepatosplenomegaly
jaundice
ascites
HE
palmar erythma
spider naevi
caput medusae
hepatic factor (eggy breath)
xanthelasma (yellow growth on eyelids)
abdo pain
pruritis
n+v
confusion
bleeding
1st line + GOLD investigations for liver cirrhosis
1st
LFTs=
increased- bilirubin, PT/INR, AST + ALT, ammonia, GGT
decreased- albumin + glucose
FBC= anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia
U&Es= raised
GOLD= liver biopsy
-destruction of liver parenchyma, regenerative liver nodules
complications of liver cirrhosis
HCC
spont. bacterial pericarditis
oesophageal varies + portal HTN
HE
hepato-renal syndrome
ascites
bleeding
describe general liver failure
liver loses ability to regenerate/repair leading 2 decompensation
what is the most common cause of acute liver failure
paracetamol overdose
name 5 causes of acute liver failure
DRUGS- paracetamol, alcohol
VIRAL- hep A/B/E, CMV, EBV autoimmune hep
NEOPLASTIC- hepatocellular/metatstic carcinoma
METABOLLIC- Wilson’s disease, alpha 1 anti trypsin, haemochromatosis
VASCULAR- budd chiari
presentation of acute liver failure
jaundice
abnormal bleeding
hepatic encephalopathy
malaise
n + v
abdo pain
describe the west haven 1- 4 criteria for presentation of hepatic encephalopathy
- altered mood + sleep issues
- lethargy, mild confusion, asterixis (liver flap)
- marked confusion, quiet
- comatose
investigations for acute liver failure:
LFT,FBC,U&Es,imaging. microbiology
LFTs: increased- bilirubin, PT, AST + ALT, NH3
decreased- albumin + glucose
FBCs: anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia
U&Es= raised
imaging= EEG 2 grade HE
USS of abdo 2 check Budd chiari
microbiology 2 rule out infections-blood culture + urine
management of acute liver failure
ITU, ABCDE, fluids, analgesia- asses 4 liver transplant
treat underlying cause + comps
eg paracetamol overdose- give activated charcoal + N acetyl cysteine within 1hr of overdose
name 5 complications of acute liver failure and what you would give to treat them
cerebral oedema= IV mannitol
HE= lactulose
ascites= diuretics
bleeding= vit K
sepsis= sepsis 6
describe chronic liver failure
progressive liver disease over 6+ months, due 2 repeated liver abuse
name 3 causes of chronic liver disease
progression from acute liver disease
NAFLD
hep C + B
list 5 risk factors for chronic liver disease
alcohol/drugs
obesity
T2DM
inherited metabolic disease/existing autoimmunity
describe the progression to liver failure from hepatitis
hepatitis > fibrosis (reversible damage) > cirrhosis (irreversible damage) > either: compensated (some liver function) OR decompensated (end stage liver failure)
what is the MELD score used for
model for end stage liver disease
- looks at severity for transplant planning
what are 5 key presentations of end stage liver failure
jaundice
HE
coagulopathy
ascites
oesophageal varices
presentation of chronic liver failure (lots)
jaundice
ascites
abnormal bleeding
HE (symptoms)
portal hypertension + oesophageal varices
caput medusae
spider naevi
palmar erythema
gynecomastia
fector hepatic
dupuytren’s contracture
what is the child Pugh score used for
to assess prognosis + extent of treatment required for chronic liver failure
A= 100% 1yr survival
B= 80% 1 yr survival
c= 45% 1 yr survival
1st line investigations for chronic liver failure
LFTs= raised - bilirubin, PTT, AST + ALT, NH3, GGT
lowered- albumin + glucose
FBCs= anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia
U&Es= raised
gold standard investigation for chronic liver failure
liver biopsy= 2 determine extent of damage
other = ascites tap + abdo USS
management of chronic liver failure
prevent progression- lifestyle mods (no alcohol, lower BMI, low LDL + salt)
liver transplant (MELD score)
manage comps: same as acute
name 3 risk factors for alcoholic liver disease
chronic alcohol
obesity
smoking
describe the progression to alcoholic liver disease
steatosis (fatty liver) > alcoholic hepatitis > alcoholic cirrhosis
presentation of alcoholic liver disease
early stages= asymptomatic
later more severe stages= chronic liver failure symptoms + alcohol dependency
(chronic liver failure symptoms= jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, spider nave, dupuytren’s contracture, palmar erythema, ascites, HE, caput medusae, easy bruising)
describe 2 alcohol dependency questionnaires
CAGE=
should you Cut down?
one person Annoyed by your drinking?
feel Guilty about drinking?
do u drink in morning (Eye opener)
- 2+ means dependent
AUDIT- alcohol use disorder ID test
1st line investigations for alcoholic liver disease
LFTs= increased- GGT, AST + ALT, ALP, bilirubin
decreased- albumin
AST : ALT ratio = >2
FBC= macrolytic nonmegaloblastic anaemia
gold standard investigation for alcoholic liver disease
liver biopsy (2 confirm extent of cirrhosis)
- will see inflammation, steatosis, necrosis, MALLORY CYTOPLASMIC INCLUSION BODIES
management of alcoholic liver disease
stop alcohol- give chlordiazepoxide 4 delirium tremors
also= wt. loss, no smoking, steroids for alcoholic hepatitis (prednisolone)
liver transplant if severe- must abstain from alcohol for 3+ months first
list 6 complications of alcoholic liver disease and how you would treat them
pancreatitis
HE- lactulose
ascites- diuretics
HCC- chemo, surgery
mallory weiss tear
wernicke Korsakoff syndrome (combined B1 + alcohol withdrawl symptoms)- IV thiamine
what would you immediately suspect in anyone that had:
T2DM
obesity
deranged LFTs
non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
list 7 risk factors for NAFLD
obesity
hypertension
hyperlipidemia
T2DM
Family history
endocrine disorders
drugs= NSAIDs
presentation of NAFLD
typically asymptomatic
- if severe, may present w. signs of liver failure
investigations for NAFLD
and GOLD
imaging= abdo USS, fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) seen as increased echogenicity
bloods-
deranged LFTs: riased ALT= 1st indication of NAFLD
(PT increased, bilirubin increased, decreased albumin)
FBC= thrombocytopenia, hyperglycaemia
Enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF)= 1st line blood test for assessing fibrosis
10.51+, advanced fibrosis
NAFLD fibrosis score
Assess risk of fibrosis w non- invasive scoring system eg Fib-4, >2.67= advanced + refer to hepatology
GOLD= liver biopsy
management of NAFLD
wt. loss
control rfs (use statins, metformin etc)
take vit E
list 4 complications of NAFLD
HE
ascites
HCC
portal htn + oesophageal varices
define viral hepatitis
inflammation of the liver due to viral replication within hepatocytes
describe the pathology of viral hepatitis
virus infected cells undergo cytotoxic killing ( causes inflammation in liver) + apoptosis by immune system
hepatocytes undergoing apoptosis= councilman bodies
is hep A acute or chronic and how is it spread
acute
-RNA virus spread via faecal- oral route (contaminated food/water)
list 3 risk factors for hep A
living/ travelling to endemic area (Africa)
overcrowding
undercooked shellfish
presentation of hep A
prodomal phase= 1-2 weeks
- malaise
- n+v
- fever
then:
-jaundice
-dark urine + pale stools
-hepatosplenomegaly
-choleostasis
-fatigue
-headache
-pruritis
-abdo pain
-musc. aches
1st line investigations for hep A
bloods= increased- serum AST + ALT, bilirubin, ESR
gold standard investigations for hep A
HAV serology:
HAV IgM= active
HAV IgG= recovery/vaccination
management of hep A
supportive therapy- resolves by itself
- traveller vaccine available
comps= rapid liver failure
how is hep B spread
acute + chronic
enveloped DNA virus transmitted via blood + bodily fluids
50% of chronic hep B cases= under 6 yrs
name 4 methods of transmission of hep B
needles
sexual
vertical (mother 2 child)
horizontal (child 2 child)
list 5 risk factors for hep B
IVDU
healthcare worker
gay sex
unprotected sex
dialysis patients
presentation of hep B
v. similar to hep A
1-2 week prodromal phase:
-malaise
-n+v
-fever
-fatigue
then:
jaundice
dark urine + pale stools
hepatosplenomegaly
URITICARIA
ARTHRALAGIA
first line investigations for hep B
LFTs= increased ALT +AST, bilirubin, ALP
gold standard investigation for hep B
HBV DNA (direct count of viral load) + serology:
ANTIGENS=
HBsAg (HBV surface antigen)= active infection
HBcAg (core antigen in core of HBV) = active infection
HBeAg (secreted by infected cells)=
HBV replication & infectivity
ANTIBODIES=
Anti-HBc (antibodies against core antigen)- previous or ongoing contact with HBV
IgM anti-HBc= acute or excecerbation of HBV
anti-HBs (antibodies agaistn HBsAg)= recovery + immunity (vax)
anti-Hbe (antibodies against HBeAg)= low HBV replication & remission
management of hep B
SC peginterferon alpha 2 or tenofovir injection
prevention = vaccination w. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)
How is hep c transmitted
RNA, transmitted via blood + bodily fluids
acute + chronic
1/4 fight off virus
3/4 become chronic
list 5 risk factors for hep c
IVDU
unsafe medical practice
unprotected sex
vertical transmission in childbirth
blood transfusion/organ transplant
presentation of hep C
-often asymptomatic in acute
chronic=
jaundice
ascites
hepatosplenomegaly
fever
n+v
malaise
pruritis
abdo pain + musc aches
first line investigations for hep C
HCV antibody enzyme immunoassay- HCV IgG
-positive indicates current infection
aminotransferases= elevated
gold standard investigation for hep C
PCR (HCV RNA test)- indicates past or current infection
-viral DNA decreasing= recovery
-viral level same= chronic
management of hep C
direct acting antivirals (ribavirin, sofosbuvir)
-no vax available
30% of cases progress 2 chronic liver failure (cirrhosis + HCC risk)
what does hep D need in order to survive
hep D= an RNA the only survives in patients that also have hep B, hep D attaches itself 2 surface antigen of hep B
spread via blood + bodily fluids
presentation of hep D
jaundice
hepatosplenomegaly
dark urine + pale stools
n+v
fever
malaise
ascites
uriticaria
arthralagia
musc aches
abdo pain
first line investigations for hep D
LFTs= increased- AST + ALT, bilirubin, ALP
gold standard investigation for hep D
serology: HDV IgM or IgG= active infection
HDV RNA in serum
management of hep D
no spec treatment
treat hep B- SC pegylated interferon alpha 2a or tenofovir
how is hep E spread
RNA spread via faecal oral route (contaminated food + water)
dogs
pigs
undercooked seafood
presentation of hep E
fever
malaise
n+v
jaundice
hepatomegaly
dark urine + pale stools
pruritis
abdo pain
1st line investigations for hep E
LFTs= increased- AST + ALT, Bilirubin, ESR
gold standard investigation for hep E
HEV serology:
HEV IgM antibodies= active infection
HEV IgG antibodies= recovery
HEV RNA= current infection
management of hep E
mild illness- no treat
self limiting within a month
describe autoimmune hepatitis
inflammation of the liver due to it being attacked by bodies own cells
list 4 risk factors for autoimmune hepatitis
female
other autoimmune conditions
viral hepatitis
HLA DR3/DR4 gene mutation
who is affected and which antibodies are involved in autoimmune hep type 1
adult women
anti-nuclear antibodies
anti-smooth musc antibodies
anti-soluble liver antigen
who is affected and what type of antibodies are involved in autoimmune hep type 2
children
anti-liver kidney microcome antibodies type 1(ALKA-1)
anti-liver cytosol antibodies type 1 (ALCA-1)
presentation of autoimmune hepatitis
25%= asymptomatic
jaundice
fatigue
malaise
fever
hepatosplenomegaly
1st line investigations for autoimmune hepatitis
LFTs- increased AST + ALT, prolonged PTH
decreased albumin
serology:
T1= ANA, ASMA,ASLA
T2= ALKM-1, ALCA-1
gold standard investigation for autoimmune hepatitis
liver biopsy
management of autoimmune hepatitis
corticosteroids (prednisolone) + immunosuppressant (azathioprine)
liver transplant if resistant to meds
what is hepatic encephalopathy
brain infection due to toxic metabolites (esp ammonia) not removed by liver due 2 liver dysfunction/cirrhosis
describe the pathology of hepatic encephalopathy
intestinal bacteria break down proteins into ammonia to be absorbed in gut
liver impairment (cirrhosis) prevents hepatocytes metabolising ammonia into harmless waste products> causing build up of ammonia in blood
>collateral vessels btwn. portal and systemic circulation mean ammonia bypasses liver + enters into systemic circulation directly
investigations for hepatic encephalopathy
serum ammonia raised
abnormal LFTs
EEG= decrease in brain wave frequency + amplitude
U&E=(maybe hyponatraemia/kalaemia)
management of hepatic encephalopathy
laxatives- LACTULOSE > promotes excretion of ammonia from gut before it is absorbed
ABxs eg rifaximin
reduces no. of intestinal bacteria that produce ammonia
describe Wernicke’s encephalopathy + Korsakoff syndrome + list 3 causes of it
caused by thiamine deficiency (B1):
alcohol (decreases thiamine levels)
malnutrition
malabsorption (IBD, stomach cancer)
wernickes= acute medical emergency- REVERISBLE stage
-b4 progressing to
Korsakoff syndrome= chronic, irreversible stage
pathology of wernickes encephalopathy + Korsakoff syndrome
thiamine def impairs glucose metabolism= decreased cellular energy
brain= vunerable 2 impaired glucose
-alcohol interfers w. conversion of thiamine 2 its active form
presentation of wernickes encephalopathy + Korsakoff syndrome
wernickes:
confusion
apathy
difficulty concentrating
opthalmoplegia weakness + paralysis of eye muscles
Korsakoff syndrome:
severe memory impairment
confabulation (makes up stories to fill in gaps)
behavioural changes
investigations + management of wernickes encephalopathy & Korsakoff syndrome
clinical diagnosis
low thiamine (B1) levels
deranged LFTs
MRI= degeneration of maxillary bodies
Tx= IV thiamine infusion (pabrinex)
define spontaneous bacterial pericarditis & give the m.c cause + 3 risk factors
bacterial infection of ascitic fluid (mc. infection in liver cirrhosis)
mc. caused by E.coli - gram neg
other = staph. aureus - gram pos
RFs= cirrhosis, liver failure, GI bleeding
presentation of spontaneous bacterial pericarditis
severe abdo pain w. shock & collapse
fever
ascites
guarding- rigidity helps w. paim
hypotension
n+v
confusion
tachycardia
investigations for spontaneous bacterial pericarditis
inlcudingGOLD
1st:
FBC= leucocytosis, anaemia, raised CRP/ESR
blood cultures + ascitic tap= shows causative microorgansim
hCG test (exclude pregnancy)
abdo x-ray (exclude bowel obstruction)
GOLD= ascitic fluid neutrophil count (ANC) >250 cells/mm3
management of spontaneous bacterial pericarditis
IV ABxs= piperacillin/tazobactam
cephalosporins can also be used (cefotaxime)
peritoneal lavage- surgical cleaning of peritoneal cavity
define jaundice
also called ‘icterus’
yellowing of skin + eyes due to accumulation of conjugated/unconjugated bilirubin
describe the pathway of RBC breakdown to excretion of unwanted components
RBCs= broken down by reticuloendothelial macrophages @ spleen
haemoglobin> haem + globin
haem> Fe2+ & biliverdin
biliverdin converted to unconjugated bilirubin by biliverdin reductase
unconjugated bilirubin= insoluble - travels in blood bound to albumin
@liver UGT conjugates bilirubin (now H20 soluble)
conjugated bilirubin stored @ gall bladder + excreted into small intestine as bile
conjugated bilirubin is converted to urobiligen via colonic bacteria
urobiligen converted either:
1. stercobilin (poo)
2. urobilin (oxidised by kidneys, wee)
3. recycled in enterophepatic circulation
describe pre-hepatic jaundice
unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia
-due 2 increased RBC breakdown, overwhelming livers ability to conjugate bilirubin
causes of pre-hepatic jaundice
HAEMOLYTIC ANAEMIA:
sickle cell anaemia
G6PDH deficiency
autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
thalassemia
malaria
GILBERT’S SYNDROME
CRIGGLER NAJJAR SYNDROME