Overview of Liver Health and Disease

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on liver health and disease.

What is the third biggest cause of premature mortality in the United Kingdom?

Liver disease.

How many working years are lost each year due to liver disease in the UK?

62000 years.

What percentage of liver disease deaths in the UK are attributed to alcohol?

¾ (75%).

What is the term for the liver condition that affects 1 in 1000 people and leads to severe liver damage?

Liver cirrhosis.

What common metabolic disorder is becoming the second commonest cause of liver-related mortality?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

What major organ function is NOT performed by the liver?

The liver helps maintain glucose homeostasis, is involved in protein synthesis, is the major organ for lipid metabolism, and is involved in drug breakdown and excretion.

What is the condition called where bilirubin accumulates due to the breakdown of hemoglobin?

Bilirubin causes jaundice.

What significant liver damage can acutely result from paracetamol overdose?

Acute liver failure.

What is the typical treatment for paracetamol-induced liver injury?

N-acetylcysteine.

What age group is most affected by liver disease mortality in the UK?

Working age (18-65 years).

Which liver disease is associated with autoimmune processes and often presents with acute hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis.

What is the prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis in Europe?

16-18 per 100,000.

Which lifestyle modification is often recommended for management of metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease (MASLD)?

Weight loss and exercise.

What factor is a known risk for worsening liver injury in chronic liver disease?

Alcohol consumption.

How do the prevalence rates of liver disease-related deaths among those with diabetes and obesity relate to liver function tests?

They often show abnormal values.