Liver

Question 1

What are the functions of the liver?

Answer 1

1. Produces clotting factors and filters blood of toxins.
2. Stores fats, vitamins, iron, copper, glycogen.
3. Produces bile for fat metabolism.
4. Has macrophages (Kupffer cells) for immune function.

Question 2

Stages of HE?

Answer 2

1. Mild confusion, irritability, incoordination, impaired handwriting, tremors.
2. Drowsiness, personality change, disorientation, ataxia, asterixes, dysarthria
3. Slurred speech, marked confusion and disorientation, +ve babinski sign, muscle rigidity, hyperrreflexia.
4. Coma

Question 3

Causes and effects of cholestasis?

Answer 3

Obstruction to bile flow.

Caused by Gallstones in CBD, tumour, stricture.

Causes jaundice (CB), dark urine, steathorrhoea, malabsorption of ADEK, Pruritis, hypercholesterolaemia

Diagnose using ultrasound and biochemical tests (e.g elevated ALK and gGT)