liver

liver function

including what is synthesises

• carbohydrate metabolism

• fat metabolism

• protein metabolism

• synthesises albumin, some globulins, clotting factors (and activates some), bile

• stores vitamins and minerals (iron and copper), carbs as glycogen

• liver enzymes metabolise and/or detoxify drugs and toxins absorbed from the gut

• reticuloendothelial cells (kupffer cells) have a role in inflamation and immunity, destroy wbc and rbc, transport haemoglobin from old rbc to bilirubim, small role in rbc production, store excess iron

clinical signs of liver disease

• inappetance/anorexia

• vomiting/ diarrhoea

• jaundice

• depression/lethargy

• polydipsia/polyuria

• neurological- encephalopathy

• bleeding tendencies (coagulopathy)

• gi ulceration

• photosensitisation

clinical pathology changes thatcan occur in liver disease

• increased liver enzymes

• increase bilirubin

• increased bile acids

• increased blood ammonia

• decreased blood glucose

• increased or decreased cholesterol

• increased protein (globulins)

• decreased proteins (albumin)

• decreased clotting factors

• platelet dysfunction

causes of liver disease

• bacterial, viral, fungal infection

• parasites

• vascular disorders

• toxicity eg plants, drugs, chemicals, alflatoxins

• neoplasia

• degeneration/ fibrosis

• genetic

where would be the problem in a jaundiced patient

• haemopoeietic system

• liver

• biliary tract and surrounding tissue

• sepsis/ severe inflammation