Liver Function Tests Flashcards
What is ALT?
Alanine aminotransferase
Enzyme found in hepatocytes
Specific to the liver
What might cause an increased ALT (5)?
Raised in liver inflammation due to NSAID Alcohol Hepatitis Paracetamol Genetics (haemachromatosis/Wilson's disease)
What is AST?
Aspartate aminotransferase
Enzyme found in hepatocytes, skeletal muscles, cardiac muscle, RBC
What is ALP?
Alkaline phosphatase
Enzyme found in billary epithelia, bone and placenta
When might ALP be raised?
Raised indicates pathology of the BILE DUCTS//BONE
Found in placenta = raised in pregnancy and also in puberty
Look at GGT - if this is raised = likely to be bile duct pathology and if NOT raised = likely to be due to BONE pathology
What is GGT?
Gamma GT - enzyme found in billary epithelia
When might AST be increased?
NOT as specific to the liver
Can be raised by skeletal muscles, cardiac muscles, RBC as well as hepatocytes
AST:ALT ratio >2 = alcoholic liver disease
AST:ALT ratio
What condition may cause an ISOLATED raised ALP?
Paget’s disease
Name 6 things that might increase GGT?
Inducible by alcohol Increased in bile duct obstruction PBC PSC Pancreatitis MI
Name two hereditary conditions which can cause jaundice?
Gilbert’s syndrome
Criggler-Najjar syndrome
Which LFT may be the best indicator of a sick patient?
Albumin
Name 6 circumstances in which albumin may be low?
Nephrotic syndrome Malnutrition Cirrhosis Hepatitis Heart failure Pregnancy
Name 2 circumstances in which albumin may be high?
Dehydration
High protein diet
