Role of clinical biochemistry in liver disease

Question 1

What are 3 factors influencing serum transaminase activity

Answer 1

the extent of the damage to the tissue releasing transaminases

the amount of each transaminase in that tissue

the rate of clearance of each enzyme from the circulation.

Question 2

What are two protein synthesis routine tests

Answer 2

serum albumin concentration and prothrombin time

Question 3

What are presenting features of liver disease

Answer 3

jaundice (with or without itching)
pain (constant or colicky)
non-specific (nausea, fatigue, weight loss)
incidental laboratory finding

Question 4

What are some causes of obstruction causing jaundice

Answer 4

extrahepatic: gallstones, malignancy and pancreatitis
intrahepatic: hepatocellular disease, drug-induced cholestasis, cholangitis and cirrhosis.

Question 5

What are some causes of hepatocellular disease

Answer 5

viral-hepatitis: A,B,C,D,E,CMV parasitic-malaria, bacterial

metabolic: alcohol and drugs, autoimmune and genetic

Question 6

What are the risk factors for NAFLD

Answer 6

present when 5% of hepatocytes are steatotic.

age, males>females, metabolic syndrome, ethnicity, diet, sleep apnea and genetic