Liver Failure Workshop Flashcards

Flashcards about liver failure, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

Jaundice (Icterus)

Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels.

Flapping Tremors

Involuntary flapping movements of the hands, often associated with liver disease.

Prothrombin Time

A test used to measure the time it takes for blood to clot.

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) & ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)

Elevated levels can indicate liver damage or disease.

ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)

May indicate issues with liver function or bile ducts.

Albumin

Low levels may suggest impaired liver function or malnutrition.

Anti-HAV Antibody

Indicates previous exposure to or vaccination against Hepatitis A.

Chronic Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver that has been ongoing for at least six months.

Causes of Hepatitis

Viral infections, alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, medications, and metabolic disorders.

Mechanism of Liver Damage (in Hepatitis)

Damage to liver cells (hepatocytes) due to various factors like viral infection or toxins, leading to inflammation and cell death.

Cirrhosis

A chronic liver disease characterized by irreversible scarring and damage to the liver.

Bleeding Oesophageal Varices

Bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus, often due to portal hypertension.

Portal Hypertension

Increased pressure in the portal venous system, often due to liver cirrhosis.

Oesophageal Varices

Enlarged veins in the esophagus, often caused by portal hypertension.

Other locations for varices

Stomach, rectum.

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often due to liver disease and portal hypertension.

Low Platelet Count in Liver Disease

Low platelet count, often due to splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) or decreased production in liver disease.

Peripheral Oedema

Swelling in the extremities, often due to low albumin levels and fluid retention.

Hepatomegaly

Enlargement of the liver.

Anti-sAg Antibody (positive)

Indicates previous exposure to or vaccination against Hepatitis B.

NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar level.

Unconsciousness

Impaired mental status or loss of consciousness.

Liver

The organ responsible for the metabolism and detoxification of drugs.

Drug Metabolism

The process by which the body breaks down and eliminates drugs.

Liver Failure Symptoms

Symptoms: jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, personality change.

Causes of Liver Failure

Causes: hepatitis, alcohol abuse, drug-induced liver injury.

Elevated Liver Enzymes

Elevated levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT) in the blood.

Liver Biopsy

A procedure to remove a small piece of liver tissue for examination.

HCV RNA Test

Treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection.

Shrunken Liver

A condition in which the liver shrinks due to chronic liver disease.

Enlarged Spleen

An enlarged spleen, often due to portal hypertension.

Elevated Liver Enzymes

Elevated liver enzymes found in routine blood monitoring.

ACE Inhibitor

Medications to treat hypertension.

Gamma-GT

Measures levels of liver enzymes