Question

Diagnostic Findings in Acute Hepatitis What do they Mean: AST, ALT, y Glutamyl transpeptidase GGT, Alk phosphatase, Serum proteins: Y globulin & Albumin, urinary bilirubin, urinary urobilinogen, PT

a) Measures of liver function in chronic Hepatitis
b) Diagnostic markers for acute Hepatitis
c) Interpretation of liver biopsy results
d) Indicators of normal pregnancy

Answer 1

Liver function tests, including measures of liver enzymes, are used to diagnose and monitor acute hepatitis. Elevated levels of AST and ALT indicate acute liver damage, particularly in cases of viral hepatitis or drug toxicity. GGT is more specific to the liver and is elevated in cases of cholestatic damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Liver function tests, including measures of liver enzymes, are used to diagnose and monitor acute hepatitis. AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), GGT (gamma glutamyl transpeptidase), and alkaline phosphatase levels are commonly measured. Elevated levels of AST and ALT indicate acute liver damage, particularly in cases of viral hepatitis or drug toxicity.

AST is also present in red blood cells and cardiac and skeletal muscles, so the AST to ALT ratio can help differentiate between causes of liver damage. GGT is more specific to the liver and is elevated in cases of cholestatic damage. Alkaline phosphatase levels increase with bile duct obstruction or intrahepatic cholestasis.

These diagnostic markers, along with other liver function tests, can help evaluate the severity of liver damage and guide treatment decisions.