Question

Describe liver panel in alcoholic hepatitis:

a) Increased AST/ALT ratio (>2); Elevated GGT; Elevated bilirubin; Decreased albumin
b) Elevated ALT; Elevated bilirubin; Decreased GGT; Decreased INR
c) Increased AST/ALT ratio (<1); Normal GGT; Normal bilirubin; Normal albumin
d) Elevated AST/ALT ratio (<1); Elevated GGT; Normal bilirubin; Decreased INR

Answer 1

A liver panel in alcoholic hepatitis generally shows an increased AST/ALT ratio, elevated GGT and bilirubin, and decreased albumin, which are markers indicative of liver damage and dysfunction.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing liver function in cases of alcoholic hepatitis, the liver panel typically shows certain characteristic changes. These include an increased AST/ALT ratio (often >2), an elevation in gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), elevated bilirubin levels, and decreased albumin. AST (Aspartyl transaminase) levels elevating more than ALT (Alanine transaminase) levels is a pattern often associated with alcoholic liver damage. It's important to note that GGT is particularly sensitive to alcohol-induced liver damage. On the other hand, ALT is more dramatically raised in acute liver damage from causes like viral hepatitis or overdose of drugs such as paracetamol. Elevated bilirubin suggests jaundice which is common in liver dysfunction, and decreased albumin may be indicative of impaired liver synthetic function, as seen in acute liver failure.