Back to notes
Why is tylenol level assessment important in the diagnosis of acute liver failure?
Press to flip
To identify possible acetaminophen toxicity, a common cause of acute liver failure.
What is the role of lactulose and rifaximin in managing hepatic encephalopathy?
They help reduce ammonia levels and improve mental status.
What are key complications of acute liver failure and their underlying causes?
Hepatic Encephalopathy (ammonia buildup), Coagulopathy (impaired clotting factor production), Hypoglycemia (impaired glucose production).
Explain the significance of high levels of ammonia in patients with acute liver failure.
High levels of ammonia are due to the liver's inability to filter it, leading to hepatic encephalopathy.
Identify the vascular causes of acute liver failure and explain one.
Ischemic hepatitis and Budd-Chiari syndrome; Budd-Chiari involves hepatic vein thrombosis.
Which laboratory markers are indicative of liver injury in acute liver failure?
Elevation in AST, ALT, and Bilirubin.
Describe the principle of using N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) in the management of acute liver failure.
NAC replenishes glutathione and is especially effective in treating acetaminophen toxicity.
Why are patients with acute liver failure at increased risk of infections?
Due to decreased Kupffer cells and complement protein production, impairing immune response.
Name two hepatitis types that can cause acute liver failure and their mode of transmission.
Hepatitis A and E, both transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
What is the most common cause of drug-induced acute liver failure?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) toxicity.
What is the pathophysiological difference between acute liver failure and chronic liver disease like cirrhosis?
Acute liver failure occurs without a history of liver disease, whereas cirrhosis involves chronic injury over time.
How does pregnancy-related acute liver failure present clinically?
Often presents with hypertension, proteinuria, jaundice, and is associated with acute fatty liver of pregnancy.
What are the diagnostic criteria for acute liver failure?
Elevated liver function tests (AST, ALT), signs of hepatic encephalopathy, and coagulopathy with INR > 1.5.
What antibodies are involved in diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis?
ANA, Anti-smooth muscle, IgG, Anti-LKM1.
What causes coagulopathy in acute liver failure and its implications?
Liver's failure to synthesize clotting factors leads to bleeding risk and elevated PT/INR.
Previous
Next