Final answer:
Liver panel in alcoholic hepatitis includes a series of blood tests to assess liver function and detect alcohol-related liver damage. Elevated levels of markers such as ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and lactate dehydrogenase indicate liver dysfunction associated with alcoholic hepatitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Liver panel in alcoholic hepatitis is a series of blood tests that assess liver function and detect any liver damage caused by alcohol consumption. The panel typically includes tests for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, serum albumin, serum total protein, and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. Elevated levels of these markers indicate liver damage or dysfunction associated with alcoholic hepatitis.
For example, high levels of ALT and AST enzymes are often seen in acute liver damage, such as viral hepatitis or overdose of paracetamol. Meanwhile, ALP levels increase with bile duct obstruction, intrahepatic cholestasis, or liver infiltrative diseases. Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is another marker that is raised in alcohol toxicity. Additionally, lactate dehydrogenase levels may be elevated in cases of hemolysis and can be a marker of its severity.