Disorders of the Liver

This set of flashcards focuses on key terms related to liver disorders, including definitions of each term.

Liver Fibrosis

Fibril forming collagens deposit in extracellular matrix of liver, causing physiological damage to the organ.

Cirrhosis

Advanced stage of liver fibrosis characterized by a decrease in hepatocellular mass and liver function, which is irreversible.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Neuropsychiatric changes including confusion caused by elevated ammonia levels.

Ascites

The accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, often a complication of cirrhosis.

Jaundice

Yellow discoloration of skin and eyes due to the buildup of bilirubin.

NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, characterized by fat accumulation in the liver without alcohol use.

Hepatorenal Syndrome

Acute kidney injury in patients with advanced liver disease caused by reduced perfusion and systemic vascular resistance.

Portal Hypertension

Abnormally high blood pressure in the portal venous system caused by resistance to blood flow.

Esophageal Varices

Dilated esophageal veins that can occur due to portal hypertension, often leading to massive gastrointestinal bleeding.

Lactulose

A medication used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by lowering blood ammonia levels.

Clinical Manifestations of Liver Disease

Symptoms such as hepatomegaly, jaundice, ascites, and confusion that indicate liver dysfunction.

Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Liver damage caused by chronic alcohol consumption, leading to complications like ascites and jaundice.

Metabolism of Drugs

The process by which the liver alters pharmaceuticals, which includes the first pass effect.

Bile Production

The liver's function to produce bile, essential for fat digestion.

Compensated Cirrhosis

A stage of liver cirrhosis where the liver function is insufficient but the patient has no significant symptoms.

Uncompensated Cirrhosis

A stage of liver cirrhosis characterized by the presence of complications such as ascites and jaundice.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

A common supplement used to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy in patients with alcohol use disorder.

N-Acetylcysteine

An antidote for acetaminophen overdose that decreases hepatotoxic metabolites.

Liver Transplantation

A surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver; complications can include acute rejection.