LFTs Flashcards
What are the markers of liver function?
Albumin
Prothrombin time/INR
Bilirubin
What is hypoalbuminaemia?
Low albumin levels in the blood
What does hypoalbuminaemia tell us about liver function?
Severe liver dysfunction
What is meant by a prolonged prothrombin time/INR?
Common pathway and extrinsic pathway of clotting cascade take too long to complete
What does a prolonged prothrombin time/INR tell us about liver function?
Severe liver dysfunction
What are the markers of liver damage?
Alanine aminotransferase, ALT
Alkaline phosphatase, Alk Phos
Gamma glutamyl transferase, Gamma GT
Where is ALT found in the liver?
In hepatocytes
What happens to ALT in the liver with liver damage?
Inflamed hepatocytes leak ALT into the blood
How do ALT levels change with liver damage?
Raised
What are the causes of liver damage that give raised ALT?
Hepatitis
What are the causes of hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis
Acute alcohol intake
Fatty liver disease
Drugs, toxins
Where is Alk Phos found in the liver?
Bile canaliculi
Bile ducts
Where else in the body apart from the liver is Alk Phos found?
Bone
What are the causes of raised Alk Phos levels?
Liver damage
Bone damage
Growing bones
What are the causes of liver damage that give raised Alk Phos?
Bile duct obstruction
Cirrhosis
Liver metastases
Drugs
