Hepatic Function and Assessment

Enzymes like ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) leak into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged.

AST/ALT ratio greater than 1000 suggests severe liver cell necrosis.

Elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels can be a sign of bile duct injury or blockage.

Tests that measure the liver's ability to produce important proteins like albumin and clotting factors.

Low levels of albumin or prolonged prothrombin time indicate reduced protein synthesis by the liver, suggesting chronic liver disease or dysfunction.

Viral hepatitis is diagnosed through serology tests, including anti-HAV, anti-HCV, anti-HBc, and PCR.

Elevated bilirubin levels in the blood can indicate liver dysfunction or bile duct blockage.

Direct bilirubin, also known as conjugated bilirubin, is increased in cholestasis.

Indirect bilirubin, also known as unconjugated bilirubin, can be elevated in Gilbert's syndrome or hemolysis.

Metabolic diseases like hemochromatosis (iron overload) and Wilson's disease (copper accumulation) can affect liver function.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a condition that can lead to liver disease.

Advanced tests that assess the severity of liver disease and its complications, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Tests that help determine the cause of liver disease, such as infections, toxins, or metabolic disorders.

Tests that help to assess the overall health and function of the liver, including protein synthesis, detoxification, and bile production.

A condition where the liver cannot produce enough albumin due to prolonged cell destruction and impaired regeneration in chronic liver disease or severe acute damage.

An increase in the levels of AST and ALT enzymes in the blood, often indicating liver damage or disease.

A condition where bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the blood, causing yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

The breakdown of heme, a component of hemoglobin, into bilirubin, a yellow pigment.

The process of converting unconjugated bilirubin, which is not water-soluble, into conjugated bilirubin, which is water-soluble and can be excreted by the liver.

Bilirubin that is not yet conjugated with glucuronic acid, making it insoluble in water and unable to be excreted by the liver.

Bilirubin that has been conjugated with glucuronic acid in the liver, making it water-soluble and able to be excreted in bile.

The final stage of chronic liver disease, where normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, leading to severe loss of liver function.

A condition where the liver is unable to process and excrete bilirubin due to liver damage or deficiencies in specific enzymes involved in the process.

A condition where the production of bilirubin is increased, most often due to hemolysis, the rapid breakdown of red blood cells.

A condition where the flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine is blocked, leading to the buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

A condition where the liver undergoes acute or chronic inflammation and injury, affecting its functionality.

A condition where the liver's capacity to regenerate is overwhelmed by prolonged cell destruction, leading to permanent damage and potentially fibrosis or cirrhosis.

A condition where the liver undergoes a sudden, severe injury, often due to factors like toxins, infections, or alcohol abuse.