Ads
related to: abnormal liver function tests guidelines printable
Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Liver function tests (LFTs or LFs), also referred to as a hepatic panel, are groups of blood tests that provide information about the state of a patient's liver. [1] These tests include prothrombin time (PT/INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), albumin , bilirubin (direct and indirect), and others.
Liver function tests may be abnormal, but they often remain within the normal range even in advanced disease. [13] [66] [25] Other blood tests that may be useful to confirm the diagnosis include erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum glucose, and albumin.
Individuals with autoimmune hepatitis often have no initial symptoms and the disease may be detected by abnormal liver function tests and increased protein levels during routine bloodwork or the observation of an abnormal-looking liver during abdominal surgery. [1]
In medicine, the presence of elevated transaminases, commonly the transaminases alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), may be an indicator of liver dysfunction. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Other terms include transaminasemia , [ 3 ] and elevated liver enzymes (though they are not the only enzymes in the liver).
Secondary extra-hepatic disorders involve organs excluding the liver. When a tumour develops at the pancreas head or bile duct, the common bile duct is compressed, opposing bile flow, eventually leading to hyperbilirubinemia. [4] Gallbladder carcinoma displays enlarged liver with Courvoisier's sign, a mass in the liver's right-upper quadrant. [27]
Liver biopsy is often required for the diagnosis of a liver problem (jaundice, abnormal blood tests) where blood tests, such as hepatitis A serology, have not been able to identify a cause. It is also required if hepatitis is possibly the result of medication, but the exact nature of the reaction is unclear.
Routine blood tests show features of acute inflammation (raised white blood cell count and elevated C-reactive protein level), and usually abnormal liver function tests (LFTs). In most cases the LFTs will be consistent with obstruction: raised bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase.
The most common physical indications of cholangiocarcinoma are abnormal liver function tests, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin occurring when bile ducts are blocked by tumor), abdominal pain (30–50%), generalized itching (66%), weight loss (30–50%), fever (up to 20%), and changes in the color of stool or urine. [10]
Ads
related to: abnormal liver function tests guidelines printable