GPT 2.03 Notes Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the main functions of the liver?
Metabolism (carbs, fats, proteins), detoxification, bile production, storage (glycogen, vitamins), synthesis of plasma proteins and clotting factors
How is alcohol absorbed and metabolized?
Absorbed in stomach and small intestine; metabolized mainly by liver enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase, CYP2E1)
What are the short-term effects of excess alcohol?
Impaired CNS function, hypoglycemia, dehydration
What are the long-term effects of chronic alcohol use?
Fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, neuropsychiatric effects (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome), cardiomyopathy
What causes jaundice?
Pre-hepatic (hemolysis), hepatic (liver dysfunction), post-hepatic (biliary obstruction)
What is the pathophysiology of fatty liver?
Excess fat accumulation in hepatocytes due to imbalance in lipid metabolism
What causes cirrhosis?
Chronic liver injury from alcohol, viral hepatitis, NAFLD, toxins
What is alcohol-induced liver disease?
Progression from fatty liver → alcoholic hepatitis → cirrhosis
How does paracetamol cause liver damage?
Overdose produces toxic metabolite (NAPQI) depleting glutathione, causing hepatocyte necrosis
How is paracetamol toxicity assessed and managed?
Measure plasma paracetamol level, use nomogram; treat with N-acetylcysteine to replenish glutathione
What are common viral causes of hepatitis?
Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E viruses
How are viral hepatitis infections identified?
Serology for viral antigens, antibodies, and PCR for viral RNA/DNA
What are consequences of viral hepatitis?
Acute liver inflammation, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma
How is hepatitis prevented?
Vaccination (A, B), safe blood/needle practices, sanitation
What are causes of chronic hepatitis?
Chronic viral infection, autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, NAFLD
What are clinical features of chronic liver disease?
Jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy, spider nevi, coagulopathy
What tests assess liver function?
LFTs (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin), albumin, PT/INR
How to interpret jaundice types from labs?
Hepatic: ↑ALT/AST; Obstructive: ↑ALP, GGT, conjugated bilirubin; Hemolytic: ↑unconjugated bilirubin, ↑LDH
How does liver disease affect drug metabolism?
Reduced metabolism and plasma protein binding → increased drug levels and toxicity risk
What is the clinical impact of altered drug metabolism in liver disease?
Need dose adjustment to avoid toxicity, especially for drugs with narrow therapeutic index
