acute liver disease

Question 1

what is it ?

Answer 1

rapid development of hepatic dysfunction without prior liver disease
-ie previously normal liver, less than 6 months duration . acute liver failure defined as causing encephalopathy and prolonged coagulation

Question 2

how does oxygen rich blood reach the liver ?

Answer 2

via the hepatic artery

Question 3

how does nutrient rich blood reach the liver ?

Answer 3

via the portal vein

Question 4

what are the liver functions ?

Answer 4

• protein metabolism
• carbohydrate metabolism
• lipid metabolism
• bile acid metabolism
• bilirubin metabolism
• hormone and drug metabolism
• immunological defense

Question 5

what are the true liver function tests ?

Answer 5

bilirubin
albumin
prothrombin time

Question 6

clinical features of acute liver disease ?

Answer 6

• might not have an features
• jaundice
• lethargy
• nausea
• anorexia
• pain
• itch
• arthralgia
• abnormal LFTs

Question 7

what are the causes of acute liver disease ?

Answer 7

• viral hepatitis A,B,C,D,E
• EBV
• toxoplasmosis
• drugs
• shock liver (hypotension/from loss of portal vein blood)
• cholangitis
• alcohol
• malignancy
• chronic liver disease
• ask about paracetamol

RARE:

• budd chiari
• AFLP
• cholestasis of pregnancy