Liver (Exam 2) Flashcards
Cirrhosis is a
Irreversible, inflammatory, fibrotic liver disease. Scarring
High death rate = 26%
Structural changes from injury (alc/viruses) and fibrosis
Chaotic fibrosis leads to obstructive biliary channels and blood flow
this leads to jaundice and portal hypertension
Regeneration is disrupted by
hypoxia, necrosis, atrophy, and liver failure
Cirrhosis Common Causes
HEP B and C
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Idiopathic
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Alcoholism and Liver Disease
Alcoholic fatty liver (mildest -asymp) (reversible)
Alcoholic steatohepatitis (Precursor to cirrhosis - inflammation and degeneration of hepatocytes) (Becoming irreversible)
Alcoholic cirrhosis (Fibrosis and scarring alter liver structure)
Cirrhosis: Pathogenesis
Liver cells are destroyed and the cells try to regenerate. This procoss is disorganzied and leads to abnormal growth which causes poor blood flow and scar tissue. The scar tissue causes hypoxia leading to necrosis and liver failure
Cirrhosis: Early manifestations
GI disturbances
Fever and weight loss
Palpable liver
Cirrhosis: Late manifestations
Jaundice
Peripheral edema
Decrease albumin and PT
Ascites
Skin lesions
Hematologic problems (bleeding and anemia)
Endocrine problems
Esophageal and anorectal varices
Encephalopathy
Portal Hypertension leads to
varices and ascites
Portal Hypertension: Causes
Systemic hypotension
Vascular underfilling
Stimulation of vasoactive (RAAS system)
Plasma volume expansion
Increase cardiac output
All of these lead to and increase ascites
Portal Hypertension: Complications
Variceal hemorrhage, ascites, peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome
Portal Hypertension: Treatment
Prevent and treat complications
Can’t do anything for portal hypertension except liver transplant
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Happens in 30-45% of cirrhosis patients
LOC is the primary driver of diagnosis
Hepatic Encephalopathy is graded by
Severity
Liver not filtering toxins
These toxin build up in the brain and cause confusion and LOC changes
Hepatic Encephalopathy LOC correlates with
Ammonia which is primary chemical driver of LOC changes
Ammonia is neurotoxins that cross the BB and causes problems
NEVER DIAGNOSE BASED OFF THIS LEVEL