Liver Pathology Flashcards
What is ammonia?
Primarily from protein breakdown, which is converted to ammonia via process of deamination (nitrogen waste)
Where is AST found?
Mitochondria in the liver
Where is ALT found?
Within the cytosol of the hepatocytes, more specific to the liver (direct damage to the hepatocytes)
What is an AST/ALT ratio > 1 indicative of?
alcoholic cirrhosis
What patients typically have higher alk phos levels?
Kiddos - they are growing!
When does bilirubin become conjugated?
When it binds with albumin in the liver
What is steatosis?
Increased lipid deposition within the liver (reversible)
First step in liver disease
What are the steps of progression of alcoholic liver disease?
Normal Liver
Steatosis
Steatohepatitis
Fibrosis
Cirrhosis
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
What is the normal pressure through the portal system?
3-5 mmHg
What is occurring in ascites?
Shift of fluid from intravascular space to peritoneal space
What is the presentation of ascites?
- Distended abdomen
- Weight gain
- SOB b/c of decreased diaphragmatic excursion
- Peripheral edema
- Hyponatremia
What color stools do you get in hepatitis A?
Clay-colored stools (no bilirubin)
What is the common presentation of hepatitis B?
Ascites, fatigue, anemia, encephalopathy
What hepatitis infection tends to be more water borne?
Hepatits E
What is the most common toxic cause leading to fulminant liver disease?
Acetaminophen
