Homeostasis, Regulation, and Metabolism: Liver Health and Disorders

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the metabolic functions of the liver, various forms of hepatitis, and the complications and management of liver cirrhosis and failure.

Metabolism

All physical and chemical changes that take place to sustain life and conditions that contribute to imbalances.

Bile

A compound produced by the liver needed to digest fat and to absorb vitamins $A$, $D$, $E$, and $K$.

Liver Biopsy

A diagnostic procedure where a needle is inserted into the liver while the client holds their breath for $10\,seconds$; postprocedure requires right side-lying position to monitor for bleeding or pneumothorax.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver which can be viral (caused by viruses like HAV, HBV, HCV) or non-viral (caused by chemicals, medications, or medical conditions).

Hepatitis A

A viral infection spread via fecal-oral contact or contaminated food; it usually lasts $4-8\,weeks$ and is reportable to the health department.

Hepatitis B

A viral infection spread through blood or body fluids that can be short-term or chronic; it is preventable by the HBV vaccine.

Hepatitis C

A viral infection transmitted via infected blood that often leads to chronic infection and serious liver disease; there is currently no vaccine.

Hepatitis D

A viral liver infection that can only be contracted by individuals who already have hepatitis B.

Hepatitis E

A self-limiting viral infection spread via the fecal-oral route where jaundice is almost always present.

Acute Liver Failure (ALF)

A rapid progression of liver dysfunction that can lead to encephalopathy within hours or days, frequently caused by viral hepatitis.

N-acetylcysteine

An antidote used in the management of acute liver failure specifically for cases of acetaminophen toxicity.

Jaundice

A yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera caused by the build-up of serum bilirubin from liver dysfunction.

Pruitis

Itchy skin resulting from the build-up of bile salts in patients with liver dysfunction.

Cirrhosis

A condition involving the progression of liver damage characterized by fatty changes, scar tissue, and regenerative nodules.

Asterixis

Involuntary flapping tremors of the hands associated with Stage II and III hepatic encephalopathy.

Fetor hepaticus

A distinct breath odor associated with chronic liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy.

Portal Hypertension

Increased blood pressure in the portal vein caused by backed-up blood flow, leading to splanchnic vessel dilation and splenomegaly.

Ascites

The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity caused by increased hydrostatic pressure and decreased colloidal osmotic pressure.

Hepatorenal Syndrome

A cycle of sodium and water retention by the kidneys caused by the loss of fluid into the abdominal space.

Esophageal Varices

Collateral vessels and backed-up blood in the veins lining the gastrointestinal tract that represent a medical emergency if they bleed.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)

An expandable stent inserted to serve as a shunt between portal circulation and the hepatic vein to reduce portal hypertension.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

A decline in brain function occurring because a poorly functioning liver cannot convert ammonia and other waste products to less toxic forms.

Lactulose

A medication that promotes ammonia excretion through the stool, typically titrated to achieve two to three soft stools per day.

Acute Graft Rejection

A complication following liver transplantation, typically occurring within $4-10\,days$ post-surgery, marked by tachycardia, right flank pain, and jaundice.