Liver disease Flashcards
What are the top 3 causes of liver disease in Europe?
Alcohol, fat and hepatitis C
What are the consequences of liver disease?
Ascites, encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, hepatocellular carcinoma, Hyponatremia
what is ascites?
Formation of fluid sitting in tummy. Fluid leaking into the abdomen
What is encephalopathy?
Toxins in the liver affecting brain function
What is hyponatremia in liver disease?
Retains more water than salt, serum sodium level drops. Can cause people to feel unwell
what are the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy?
short term memory loss, slow reaction times, confusion, aggression, disorientation, coma
What is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Usually associated with abnormal liver biochemistry. Associated with T2D, common in people with metabolic syndrome. Linked to poor diets.
What are the 4 types of viral hepatitis?
A-orofecal- food and water
B-sexually transmitted and mother to child, most common hepatitis
C- blood borne- injections, medical equipment, sex
E- orofecal- food and water
What are genetic causes of liver disease?
haemochromatosis (iron overload in liver)
Wilsons disease (copper overload in liver)
Αlpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (protein globules building up in liver)
What drugs are more linked with causing liver disease?
Anti TB drugs, NSAIDS, wafarin, methotrexate, antibiotics
What is the management of ascites?
Diuretics to prevent
No added salt diet- to prevent
Large volume paracentesis- fluid draining with 20% human albumin solution for every 2 litres drained to keep blood pressure and protein up
What are some medications for encepalopathy?
Lactulose and Rifaximin- 50% reduction with both
Pitfalls in Nutrition & Cirrhosis
Higher resting energy expenditure
Aberrent metabolic signalling
Muscle wasting/sarcopenia
Poor appetite
Alcoholism
Poor estimation of adequate nutrition due to BMI being calculated with ascites present
