DEOH201 liver answer

Metabolism and storage functions

Regulates glucose by converting excess into glycogen for storage and converting it back when needed. It also controls amino acid levels in the blood and produces cholesterol and other important proteins.

Synthetic functions

The liver produces bile for fat digestion, plasma proteins (e.g. albumin), and clotting factors essential for haemostasis.

Detoxification and clearance functions

It detoxifies harmful substances, including ammonia found in urea, drugs, and poisons. It also processes haemoglobin for use of its iron content and clearing biirubin which causes jaundice.

Immune functions

Produces immune factors and removes bacteria from the bloodstream via Kupffer cells.

Clinical signs of liver disease- HANDS (4)

Leukonychia, clubbing, palmar erythema and bruising

Clinical signs of liver disease- FACE (3)

Jaundice, scratch marks and spider naevi

Clinical signs of liver disease- CHEST (4)

Gynaecomastia, body hair loss, bruising and pectoral muscle wasting.

Clinical signs of liver disease- ABDOMEN (4)

Hepatosplenomengaly, ascites, signs of portal HTN and testicular atrophy.

Clinical signs of liver disease- LEGS (3)

Oedema, muscle wasting and bruising.

Clinical signs of liver disease- FEVER (2)

1/3 of advanced cirrhosis or infected ascites.