Gastrointestinal Disease: Liver Disease

Flashcards covering the key concepts related to Liver Disease and its dental management based on the provided lecture notes.

Liver Dysfunction

Impairment of liver function often leading to complications such as jaundice, ascites, and portal hypertension.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver disease characterized by fibrosis/scarring and irreversible damage, leading to liver dysfunction.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, can be caused by infections or toxins such as alcohol.

Alcoholic Liver Disease

Liver damage due to excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to fatty liver and cirrhosis.

Portal Hypertension

Increased blood pressure within the portal venous system, often resulting from liver cirrhosis.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by abnormally low levels of platelets in the blood, often associated with liver disease.

Viral Hepatitis

Liver inflammation caused by viruses such as Hepatitis A, B, and C.

Dental Management Considerations

Adjustments in dental treatment protocols for patients with liver disease to minimize risks.

Jaundice

A yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels, often seen in liver dysfunction.

Medical Clearance

Approval from a physician necessary to ensure patient safety before dental procedures, particularly in liver disease cases.

Elective Care

Non-urgent treatments that should not be performed on patients with active hepatitis.

Bleeding Time

A medical test that evaluates the function of platelets, important for patients with liver disease due to their increased bleeding risk.

Risk Factors for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Alcohol abuse and tobacco use are significant contributors to the development of oral cancer.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

A test to evaluate overall health and detect a variety of disorders, including blood-related conditions.

Oral Complications of Liver Disease

Conditions such as abnormal bleeding and hypertrophy of the parotid glands often seen in patients with liver disorders.