Liver Disease Clinical Features
Jaundice (icterus):
Yellowish (or greenish) discolouration of the skin and other tissues due to excess circulating bilirubin (usually plasma levels >μmol/l). Due to increased production or impaired excretion.
3 types – prehepatic, hepatic, posthepatic
Most common causes:
• prehepatic (haemolysis, haematoma, Gilbert’s disease)
• hepatic (viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis)
• posthepatic/obstructive (gallstones, carcinoma)
Hepatomegaly:
Liver enlargement indicates a primary or secondary liver disease
Portal Hypertension:
Increased blood pressure in the portal venous system; most case have no clear cause; identified causes include sepsis, cirrhosis, thrombosis, trauma, drugs;
Causes splenomegaly
Ascites:
Accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity – indicates a chronic or subacute condition. Most commonly due to malignancy, cardiac failure or cirrhosis.
Clinically – distended abdomen; fullness feeling;
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