Gastrointestinal Flashcards

Flashcards about gastrointestinal diseases, focusing on hepatitis, cirrhosis, and acute liver failure.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis A Transmission

Fecal-oral (contaminated food & water).

Anti-HAV

Diagnostic marker for Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B Transmission

Blood & body fluids (childbirth, sex, IV drug use).

HBsAg

Marker for active Hepatitis B infection.

Anti-HBs

Marker for past Hepatitis B infection (recovered).

Hepatitis C Transmission

Blood & body fluids (childbirth, sex, IV drug use).

Anti-HCV

Diagnostic marker for Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D

Occurs in conjunction with Hepatitis B.

Anti-HDV

Diagnostic marker for Hepatitis D.

HDAg

Hepatitis D antigen.

Hepatitis E Transmission

Fecal-oral (contaminated food & water).

Anti-HEV

Diagnostic marker for Hepatitis E.

Cirrhosis

Healthy liver cells are replaced with fibrotic (scar) tissue; end-stage liver disease.

Hepatic Portal Vein

Blood vessel that carries blood from GI tract, spleen, gall bladder & pancreas to the liver.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

High ammonia level in body causes toxic effects to brain.

Asterixis

Flapping hand tremor seen in hepatic encephalopathy.

Esophageal Varices

Enlarged esophageal veins due to portal hypertension, high risk for hemorrhage.

Caput Medusae

Enlarged veins on the abdomen due to portal hypertension.

Paracentesis

Procedure to drain fluid in the peritoneum (ascites).

Acute Liver Failure

Sudden, rapid loss of liver function in a patient without a history of liver disease.

Coagulopathy in Acute Liver Failure

Indicated by increased INR.

Encephalopathy in Acute Liver Failure

Altered mental status.

Acetylcysteine

Antidote for acetaminophen overdose.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome

Clot blocks hepatic veins.