Liver Disorders Flashcards
Definition Pre-eclampsia
A BP of >140/90 along with the presence of protein in urine in a pregnant woman.
Cause of Pre-eclampsia
Unknown however thought to be involved in genetics, immunology and placental factors
Predisposing Factors of Pre-eclampsia
- Prims
- Ages <19 or >40
- Primiparity
- Prev hx
- Family hx
- BMI >35
- Pre-existing medical condition
- Multiple pregnancy
Symptoms of Pre-eclampsia
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Oligura
- HELLP
- Shortness of breath
- Oedema
- Raised urea, creatine and urate and impaired liver function
Care
Mild (149/99): - Admit to hospital, measure bp 4x daily, bloods 2x weekly
Moderate (159/109): - Admit, labetalol, bp 4x daily, bloods 3x weekly.
Sever (160/110): - Admit, labetalol, bp >4x daily, bloods 3x weekly.
Definition of Liver
- A large lobed, glandular organ that is responsible for metabolic processes
Functions of the Liver
- Metabolises drugs
- stores iron
- clears bilirubin
- regulates blood clotting
- produces proteins
Changes to the Liver in Pregnancy
- size stays same
- displaces due to growing uterus
- liver function reduces
- stores more glycogen
Definition of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
A condition in pregnancy that causes excessive and prolonged nausea and vomiting leading to weight loss and dehyrdation
Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Excessive nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
- weight loss
- Low BP
- Ketotic urine
Treatment for Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- anti-emetics
- vitamins
- iv fluids
- dietry advise
- accupuncture
- pressure wrist bands
Definition of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)
A potentially serious condition of the liver during pregnancy caused by a build up of bile acids in the body when they would usually flow
Symptoms of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
- Itching without rash, usually on hands or feet
- pale pool
- dark urine
- jaundice
Treatment
No cure, goes once baby is born. Topical creams and medication can ease itch
Definition of HELLP syndrome
A rare disorder of the liver that can occur in pregnancy. Haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count
Symptoms of HELLP
- Headaches
- Visual changes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Jaundice
- shoulder/neck pain
- R ^ quad pain
Treatment for HELLP
- deliver asap
Definition of Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
A serious, potentially life threatening disorder of the liver that can occur in the 3rd and final trimester of pregnancy. It causes a build up of fat on the liver and liver cells, leading to the liver function to be reduced.
Cause of Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
Thought to be caused by mitochondrial dysfunction
Symptoms of Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Thirst
