Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the essential functions of the liver in relation to carbohydrates?
What is one of the essential functions of the liver in relation to carbohydrates?
Which condition is characterized by reversible liver damage with lifestyle changes?
Which condition is characterized by reversible liver damage with lifestyle changes?
Which of the following symptoms indicates advanced liver disease?
Which of the following symptoms indicates advanced liver disease?
What is one way Hepatitis B can be transmitted?
What is one way Hepatitis B can be transmitted?
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What condition is primarily caused by the immune system attacking bile ducts?
What condition is primarily caused by the immune system attacking bile ducts?
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Which symptom is associated with increased blood pressure in the liver?
Which symptom is associated with increased blood pressure in the liver?
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What is a major consequence of untreated cirrhosis?
What is a major consequence of untreated cirrhosis?
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Which vitamin is stored by the liver and is essential for vision?
Which vitamin is stored by the liver and is essential for vision?
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Which of the following is NOT a role of the liver?
Which of the following is NOT a role of the liver?
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What is one of the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption on the liver?
What is one of the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption on the liver?
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What precaution must be taken when treating a patient with hepatitis C?
What precaution must be taken when treating a patient with hepatitis C?
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What post-transplant consideration is crucial in dental treatment planning?
What post-transplant consideration is crucial in dental treatment planning?
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Which of the following is a common modification in anesthetic usage for patients with liver disease?
Which of the following is a common modification in anesthetic usage for patients with liver disease?
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What is a possible oral consequence for children who need liver transplants?
What is a possible oral consequence for children who need liver transplants?
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What is an important dietary consideration for patients with liver disease?
What is an important dietary consideration for patients with liver disease?
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What is a consequence of poor oral hygiene (OH) linked to alcoholic cirrhosis?
What is a consequence of poor oral hygiene (OH) linked to alcoholic cirrhosis?
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Which of the following statements about treating patients with liver disease is FALSE?
Which of the following statements about treating patients with liver disease is FALSE?
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What might be necessary for a patient with liver disease after invasive dental procedures?
What might be necessary for a patient with liver disease after invasive dental procedures?
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Which of the following is NOT recommended for patients with liver disease?
Which of the following is NOT recommended for patients with liver disease?
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What should be prioritized in the oral health care of patients with liver conditions?
What should be prioritized in the oral health care of patients with liver conditions?
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Study Notes
Liver Function
- Filters and cleans the blood
- Processes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- Stores vitamins (A, D, E, K, B12) and minerals (iron, copper)
- Produces bile for fat digestion and absorption
- Removes toxins and metabolic waste
- Fends off infections, digesting bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc
- Regulates blood glucose and cholesterol
- Synthesizes essential proteins (clotting factors, albumin, hormones, etc)
- Maintains normal blood clotting
- Breaks down hemoglobin, cholesterol, proteins, hormones, and drugs
Liver Disease Causes
- Alcohol: Alcohol must be processed by the liver, causing damage with consistent consumption. Different stages, from reversible fatty liver to irreversible cirrhosis.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Fat buildup due to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
- Immune System Issues: Autoimmune attacks on bile ducts (primary biliary cirrhosis).
- Tumors and Cysts: Abnormal growths within the liver.
- Inherited Conditions: Examples include iron overload (hemochromatosis).
- Viral Infections: (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E): Spread through various routes, leading to inflammation and potential liver damage.
Liver Disease Symptoms
- Often asymptomatic until significantly damaged
- Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, skin changes (palmar erythema, spider naevi, finger clubbing), enlarged salivary glands, jaundice, itching, easy bleeding/bruising, swollen extremities, and dark urine; and endocrine disturbance.
Liver Disease and Dentistry
- Relevance: Hepatitis A & B may be spread through contaminated food/drinks and blood/body fluids, respectively. Both must be anticipated in a dental setting. Hep C also has implications in the dental setting.
- Infection Control: PPE is essential. Vaccination schedules are crucial, along with strict infection control procedures.
- Specific Considerations: Patients with liver disease may have impaired wound healing, increased bleeding risk, and immunosuppression requiring antibiotic coverage for invasive procedures. Liver transplant patients need specific treatment considerations.
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Modified Treatment Plans:
- Reduced local anaesthetic dosages may be necessary.
- Alternative or modified treatment plans might be required.
- Increased oral hygiene, nutritional guidance, and cessation of habits.
Liver Disease and Dental Hygiene/Therapy
- Hepatitis Implications: Dental hygienists and therapists should be aware of possible transmission routes and must be vaccinated, with appropriate PPE. Avoiding needle stick injuries is crucial.
- Symptoms Correlation: Recognizing symptoms (e.g., bleeding/bruising, jaundice, etc.) aids in patient care.
- Patient Management Considerations: Modifying treatment plans based on specific needs (e.g., alcohol/drug usage). Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important, particularly in relation to liver disease, as it is closely linked with poor oral health. Oral care can be complicated by other factors such as complications linked to liver disease.
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Description
Explore the vital functions of the liver, including its role in filtering blood and processing nutrients. Additionally, learn about the various causes of liver diseases such as alcohol consumption, obesity, and autoimmune conditions. This quiz will test your knowledge on liver health and disease.