Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a significant complication associated with untreated primary biliary cirrhosis?
Which treatment option is commonly used for managing haemochromatosis?
Which hepatitis virus is primarily transmitted through fecal-oral contamination?
What is the most common type of primary liver cancer associated with cirrhosis?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver?
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What is the primary factor causing liver damage in cases of alcoholic liver disease?
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What condition leads to the immune system mistakenly attacking bile ducts?
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What treatment is often used to relieve symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis, such as itching?
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How might liver disease affect the dental treatment plan for a patient?
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What is a potential consequence of iron overload in haemochromatosis?
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Which of the following is a symptom commonly associated with liver disease?
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Which type of liver disease is primarily caused by the immune system attacking liver cells?
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What are liver cysts primarily associated with?
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What percentage of infected babies with Hepatitis B are likely to develop chronic hepatitis?
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What is one key responsibility of the liver related to glucose management?
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Which bodily fluid contains the highest concentration of the hepatitis B virus?
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Which of the following correctly describes a way in which the liver fights infection?
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Which substance does the liver break down as part of its detoxification role?
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What is the average incubation period for Hepatitis B infection?
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Which of the following is NOT a mode of transmission for Hepatitis B?
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What percentage of individuals with chronic Hepatitis B carry the virus for life?
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What kind of symptoms might develop two to three months after exposure to Hepatitis B?
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Hepatitis B can survive outside the human body for how long?
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What is the seroconversion risk for Hepatitis B after a needle stick injury?
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What is used as a marker for infection in Hepatitis B?
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What is the purpose of Peginterferon alfa-2a in the treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B?
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What is the recommended duration for the Hepatitis B vaccination strategy?
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Which practice should be avoided to minimize the risk of Hepatitis B transmission?
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What is the effectiveness of the Hepatitis B immunoglobulin if administered within 48 hours of exposure?
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What is a common long-term complication of Chronic Hepatitis C?
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Which of the following is NOT a recommended prevention method for Hepatitis B?
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What type of virus is Hepatitis C classified as?
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Which statement best describes alcoholic hepatitis?
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What is a common symptom of cirrhosis?
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Which of the following is true regarding non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
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What treatment options are available for cirrhosis?
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Which symptom is specifically associated with liver cirrhosis?
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Which factor is NOT commonly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
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Cirrhosis can lead to which of the following severe complications?
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Which lifestyle modification is recommended for managing any form of liver disease?
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What is a significant risk associated with chronic infections caused by Hepatitis D?
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Which characteristic is true of Hepatitis E?
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Which dental finding may be observed in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis?
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What is a potential outcome of neglecting dental care in liver disease patients?
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Which factor could complicate dental management for patients who have undergone a liver transplant?
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What is a common manifestation of sialosis in patients with liver disease?
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How does being on immunosuppressants affect dental treatment for liver transplant patients?
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Which lifestyle change is recommended for minimizing health risks related to liver disease?
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Study Notes
Liver Disease
- The liver is the largest internal organ in the body, located below the diaphragm in the right upper abdominal quadrant.
- It is the largest gland in the body and secretes bile, which is stored in the gallbladder.
- The liver can regenerate, repairing itself from as little as 25%.
GDC Learning Outcomes
- Explain general and systemic diseases and their oral health relevance.
- Describe relevant physiology and its application to patient management.
- Describe the properties of relevant medicines and therapeutic agents, discussing their application to patient management.
Functions of the Liver
- Filters and cleans the blood.
- Creates and breaks down sugars, proteins, and fats.
- Stores vitamins (A, D, E, K, and B12).
- Produces bile, essential for digesting and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.
- Stores minerals such as iron and copper.
- Removes metabolic products and toxins from the blood.
- Fights infections by capturing and digesting bacteria, fungi, parasites, and cellular debris.
- Converts glucose to glycogen, storing it in the liver.
- Regulates glucose and cholesterol levels.
- Creates essential proteins, including blood clotting factors, albumin, hormones, and transporter proteins.
- Underlines normal blood clotting and creates thrombopoietin, stimulating platelet production.
- Breaks down hemoglobin, cholesterol, proteins, sex hormones, and various drugs (e.g., alcohol, analgesics, antimicrobials).
Liver Damage
- The liver can renew and repair itself up to a point.
- Damage is caused by alcohol, viral infections (Hepatitis A-E), Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, body's immune system (primary biliary cirrhosis), tumors, and cysts, haemochromatosis.
Alcohol Related Liver Damage
- The liver breaks down alcohol.
- Each time alcohol is broken down, some liver cells die.
- The liver needs time to regenerate and create new cells.
- Excessive alcohol consumption over time can prevent the liver from recovering, resulting in serious and permanent damage.
- Alcoholic liver disease stages include: Fatty Liver Disease, Alcoholic Hepatitis, and Cirrhosis.
Symptoms of Cirrhosis
- Often asymptomatic until severe damage.
- May experience tiredness, weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
- Potential signs include: palmar erythema, spider naevi, finger clubbing, and sialosis.
- Other potential symptoms include jaundice, itchy skin, dark urine, easily bleeding or bruising, loss of libido, swelling of the legs or abdomen (ascites), Gynecomastia or testicular atrophy, esophageal varices, Encephalopathy, and liver cancer.
Treatment of Cirrhosis
- Focuses on symptom management, not a cure.
- Lifestyle changes like stopping alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet, losing weight, and avoiding smoking.
- Medications might include diuretics, beta-blockers, topical creams to reduce itching.
- Liver transplant is a potential treatment option.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Build-up of fat in the liver, not caused by alcohol.
- Often associated with obesity.
- Has 4 stages (early stages are often asymptomatic).
- Symptoms of fibrosis include abdominal pain, tiredness, and weight loss.
- Symptoms of cirrhosis are similar to those described above.
- Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes, including weight loss, a healthy diet, and exercise, along with managing any associated conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
- Liver transplant may be an option if cirrhosis develops.
Other Causes of Liver Damage
- Primary biliary cirrhosis (immune system attacks bile ducts).
- Tumours and cysts (primary liver cancer - hepatocellular carcinoma, secondary liver cancer - metastatic, liver cysts - simple, congenital, polycystic liver disease, caused by the parasite echinococcus).
- Haemochromatosis (inherited condition causing iron overload, damaging liver, joints, and pancreas).
Viral Hepatitis
- Viral infection of the liver.
- Hepatitis Viruses: A, B, C, D, E.
- Hep A, B, and C are the most clinically significant for dentistry.
Hepatitis A
- Caused by the Hepatitis A virus.
- Transmitted by the faecal-oral route (contaminated food/drinks).
- Common in areas with poor sanitation.
- Symptoms usually resolve within a few months.
- Prevented by vaccination.
Hepatitis B
- Caused by the Hepatitis B virus.
- Spread through blood, shared needles/ razors/toothbrushes/unprotected sex, and infected pregnant women to their babies.
- Can be chronic (5% carriers).
- Vaccination available.
Hepatitis C
- Single-stranded RNA virus.
- Transmitted through needles/blood splashes/bodily fluids.
- No vaccine against Hepatitis C.
- Often asymptomatic initially.
- Long-term complications can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
- Treated with direct acting antiviral medications.
Hepatitis D and E
- Hepatitis D (delta virus) only infects those already carrying Hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis E (RNA virus) is transmitted through the faecal-oral route and is similar to Hepatitis A.
- Vaccination exists for some forms.
Dental Aspects of Liver Disease
- Dental Neglect: Poor oral hygiene, leading to dental caries, periodontal disease, and a lack of professional dental care.
- Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Often associated with poor oral hygiene. Dental erosion from gastric reflux can occur.
- Sialosis/parotid enlargement: Possible if on immunosuppresants after liver transplant.
- Gingival enlargement: May present due to immunosuppresant/antirejection drug use after a liver transplant.
- Delayed/discoloured teeth: Children needing a liver transplant may experience delayed tooth eruption and discoloration/hypoplastic teeth.
- Dental Management Considerations: Increased bleeding risk, poor wound healing and infection, issues metabolizing oral drugs. Vaccination with Hep B. Universal Precautions for all patients. Treatment should be deferred for a time for patients with recent liver transplants.
Dental Management
- Control infection (universal precautions): staff should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
- Treat patients with recent liver transplants with caution.
- Universal precautions should be implemented.
- Avoid elective procedures for six months after liver transplant.
- Consideration to reducing local anaesthetic dosages, using different anaesthetics, and avoiding NSAIDS.
- Prevention is crucial (oral hygiene, diet, fluoride supplements); alcohol and smoking cessation advice.
What Else to Consider
- Reducing local anaesthetic (LA) dosages.
- Using articaine instead of lidocaine.
- Avoiding NSAIDs.
- Liver function may affect patients ability to metabolize certain medications including antibiotics, such as tetracycline.
Summary
- Functions of the liver, main causes of liver disease, symptoms of liver disease, and dental implications.
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Description
This quiz covers key aspects of liver disease, emphasizing its functions, relevance to oral health, and physiological implications. It explores the liver's role in filtering blood, nutrient storage, and its regenerative capacities. Test your knowledge on the critical functions and importance of the liver.