Liver disease 2
36 Questions
16 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does the liver do?

  • Regulates body temperature
  • Filters the blood to remove toxins
  • Pumps blood to the rest of the body
  • Produces bile to help with digestion (correct)

    • What is a liver function test used for?

  • To measure blood sugar levels
  • To detect lung cancer
  • To check for heart disease
  • To test for liver disease and its severity (correct)

    • What is bilirubin?

  • A hormone produced by the liver
  • A chemical produced when red blood cells break down (correct)
  • An enzyme that helps with digestion
  • A protein that carries oxygen in the blood

    • What are liver function tests and how do they help diagnose liver disease?

    <p>Liver function tests are special tests that measure different chemicals in the blood that are made by the liver. They help diagnose liver disease by indicating the levels of different chemicals in the blood that are produced by the liver, such as gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and bilirubin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and what does its presence in the blood indicate?

    <p>Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a chemical found in many organs throughout the body, but it is mainly in the liver. Its presence in the blood at higher than normal levels can indicate liver disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is bilirubin and what happens when its levels are high in the blood?

    <p>Bilirubin is a chemical that is produced when red blood cells break down. High levels of bilirubin in the blood can cause jaundice, which makes the skin and eyes appear yellow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of prothrombin in the body and why is it important to check its levels in patients with liver damage?

    <p>Prothrombin is a protein needed for blood clotting. Checking its levels in patients with liver damage is important because their blood may not be able to clot properly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of high levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and how can it help diagnose liver diseases?

    <p>High levels of ALP could indicate that the bile ducts in the liver are blocked due to a liver disease such as primary biliary cirrhosis or cholestasis. It can help diagnose liver diseases when considered along with the AST/ALP ratio.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the AST/ALP ratio and how can it be used to diagnose liver or bile duct diseases?

    <p>The AST/ALP ratio is the ratio of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to ALP. An AST/ALP ratio that is higher than normal can indicate liver damage and help diagnose liver or bile duct diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is albumin and what is its function in the body?

    <p>Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps with many functions in the body, such as maintaining blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two examples of liver diseases mentioned in the text and how do they affect the liver?

    <p>Two examples of liver diseases mentioned in the text are Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis, where too much copper or iron respectively build up in the liver.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are liver function tests important and what can they help identify?

    <p>Liver function tests are important tools for doctors to evaluate how well the liver is functioning and identify any damage or diseases that may be present.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main functions of the liver?

    <p>The liver performs various functions such as producing bile, storing and releasing glucose, and regulating blood clotting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What biochemical and hematological liver function tests can help diagnose and monitor liver disease?

    <p>Gamma-glutamyl transferase/transpeptidase, bilirubin, and prothrombin time are some of the tests that can help diagnose and monitor liver disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a high aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio suggest?

    <p>A high aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio suggests hepatitis or cholestatic disorder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some liver diseases that can lead to liver failure?

    <p>Primary biliary cirrhosis, cholestasis, and intra- or extrahepatic bile duct obstruction (tumors).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can albumin levels be used to assess liver function?

    <p>Albumin levels can be used as an indicator of liver function, as it is synthesized exclusively by hepatocytes. It is a major protein in plasma involved in regulating oncotic pressure and binding hormones, drugs, and fatty acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the diagnostic and prognostic value of albumin and prothrombin time tests?

    <p>These tests can have limited diagnostic and prognostic value.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some potential causes of jaundice in a person recovering from flu?

    <p>Dehydration or malnutrition are possible causes, although the specific cause in the case report is unknown.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Wilson's disease and how does it affect the liver?

    <p>It is a genetic disorder that causes the accumulation of copper in the liver, leading to liver cirrhosis and neurological problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Haemochromatosis and how does it affect the liver?

    <p>It is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron, leading to liver damage and other complications.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Question 1

    <p>What are three liver function tests that can indicate liver disease?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Answer 1

    <p>Gamma-glutamyl transferase/transpeptidase, bilirubin, and prothrombin time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Question 2

    <p>What is the role of the liver in synthesizing albumin and clotting factors?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Answer 2

    <p>To assess liver function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Question 3

    <p>What are two examples of liver diseases that can lead to liver failure?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Answer 3

    <p>Wilson's disease and Haemochromatosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the standard liver function tests used for diagnosing liver disease?

    <p>The standard liver function tests include aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the normal range of aminotransferases in plasma and why are they important for diagnosing liver disease?

    <p>The normal range of aminotransferases in plasma is 5-45 IU/L. They are important enzymes that help diagnose liver disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can an increase in ALT and AST plasma levels indicate?

    <p>An increase in ALT and AST plasma levels may occur due to viral hepatitis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some common liver function tests and what do they detect?

    <p>Common liver function tests include the Ratio ASP/ALP and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase for liver and biliary tract detection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of increased bilirubin levels in liver damage and disease?

    <p>Increased bilirubin levels may lead to jaundice and can be an indicator of significant liver damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of albumin levels in liver function testing?

    <p>Albumin is synthesized only by hepatocytes and can be a reliable indicator of chronic liver disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some common liver function tests and what can they detect?

    <p>Common liver function tests include the Ratio ASP/ALP and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase which can detect liver and biliary tract damage, but may not provide a specific diagnosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of bilirubin levels in liver damage and disease?

    <p>Bilirubin levels increase after significant liver damage and may lead to jaundice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of albumin in liver function and what can it indicate?

    <p>Albumin is synthesized only by hepatocytes and can be a reliable indicator of chronic liver disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Liver Function and Liver Function Tests

    • The liver performs various functions, including detoxification, metabolism, and production of bile and proteins.
    • Liver function tests (LFTs) are used to diagnose and monitor liver disease, and to assess liver function.

    Bilirubin and Jaundice

    • Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of hemoglobin in the liver.
    • Elevated bilirubin levels in the blood can cause jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes.
    • High bilirubin levels can indicate liver damage or disease.

    Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

    • GGT is an enzyme produced by the liver and bile ducts.
    • Elevated GGT levels in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease, particularly in the bile ducts.

    Prothrombin and Liver Damage

    • Prothrombin is a protein produced by the liver that helps blood clot.
    • Low prothrombin levels can indicate liver damage, and can be used to assess liver function.

    Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

    • ALP is an enzyme produced by the liver and bones.
    • Elevated ALP levels in the blood can indicate liver disease or bone disorders.

    AST/ALP Ratio

    • The AST/ALP ratio is used to diagnose liver or bile duct diseases.
    • An elevated AST/ALP ratio can indicate liver damage or disease.

    Albumin and Liver Function

    • Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that helps regulate blood pressure and transport nutrients.
    • Low albumin levels can indicate liver damage or disease, and can be used to assess liver function.

    Liver Diseases

    • Examples of liver diseases include hepatitis and cirrhosis, which can cause liver damage and affect liver function.
    • Liver failure can occur if liver disease is left untreated or if the liver is severely damaged.

    Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Liver Function Tests

    • Liver function tests, including albumin and prothrombin time tests, can help diagnose and monitor liver disease.
    • These tests can also help predict the outcome of liver disease and identify patients at risk of liver failure.

    Other Liver Diseases

    • Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that affects the liver's ability to remove copper from the body.
    • Haemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects the liver's ability to absorb iron from the diet.
    • Both diseases can cause liver damage and affect liver function.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Test Your Liver Function Knowledge: Learn about Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) and how it's measured in liver function tests. This quiz will help you understand the importance of liver function tests and how they can detect liver disease. Get ready to challenge your liver health knowledge!

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser