Liver Flashcards
(39 cards)
Functions of the liver
synthesises clotting factors detoxification Immune function Production of bile Energy storage Regulation of fat metabolism Can regenerate itself
Metabolic role
Maintains continuous supply of energy by controlling the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats
Role varies during fasting, absorption, digestion, metabolism
Regulated by endocrine glands; pancreatic enzymes, adrenal, thyroid hormones and nerves
Acute liver failure
Sudden failure, when previously healthy
Chronic liver failure
pre-existing chronic liver failure, but this is acute on chronic failure
Acute liver failure; viral causes
Viral hep A, B, E, EBV
Chronic liver failure: viral causes
Viral Hep B and C
Other acute liver causes
drugs i.e paracetamol overdose
Vascular (e.g. Budd chiari syndrome)
Other chronic liver causes
Alcohol, autoimmune, vascular, metabolic
How does acute liver present
Confusion (most worrying sign) Malaise, anorexia, fever Abnormal liver function tests Jaundice bleeding and liver pain - rare
How does chronic liver present
decompensated = you have symptoms
abnormal LFT hepatomegaly malaise, abdominal discomfort itching, anorexia/wasting Ascites, oedema Haematemesis Easy bruising Jaundice Confusion
Liver serum function test LFT’s
Bilirubin and Albumin (assess actual function)
ALP - alanine aminotransferase and AST Aspartate aminotransferase (liver inflammation)
ALP- alkaline phosphatase -bile fluid and GGT- relates to alcohol
Globulin - liver synthesis
Jaundice is raised….?
Bilirubin
How is jaundice classified?
conjugated or unconjugated or by site
Is bilirubin normally conjugated or unconjugated
is conjugated in the liver to become water soluble
Excreted via bile in the GI tract or 10% is reabsorbed. If this process is disrupted - the unconjugated cant leave the system.
3 types of jaundice
Hepatic
Pre hapatic
Post hepatic
Prehaptic jaundice
excessive RBC breakdown (haemolysis) which the conjugated system cant deal with
Hepatic jaundice
dysfunction with the liver itself, it cant conjugate bilirubin
Cirrhosis
Viral infections hep A, B, C CMV, AND EBV
Drugs
Post hepatic jaundice
refers to obstruction of the biliary drainage.
why? Gall stones, external compression: pancreatitis, tumours, lymphadenopathy, ampullary tumours ( entrance of bile duct
Chronic liver disease: autoimmune causes (3)
Autoimmune hepatitis (attacks the liver)
Primary biliary sclerosis - attacks the ducts
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (cirrhosis- bile ducts decrease in size due to inflow and fibrosis)
Chronic liver disease: metabolic cause (3)
Haemochromatosis (increase absorption of iron)
Wilsons (rare inherited- copper accumulates)
Alfa I antitrypsin deficiency (synthesised in liver, problems with lungs)
Chronic liver disease: Vascular (3)
Budd Chiari- cause of cirrhosis- occlusion of hepatic vein
Portal vein thrombosis: blockage of portal vein
Alcohol liver disease: safe amounts of alcohol
> 14 safe, 15-28 harmful >28 hazardous
Non alcohol fatty liver disease/ Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis NASH risk factors
risk factors: diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia
Fatty liver disease: can be
non alcoholic or alcoholic