Liver function tests

Sep 04, 2008 - Overview

• Definition
• Alternative Names

Illustrations Liver function tests HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Definition Common tests that are used to evaluate liver function include:

• Albumin
• A1AT
• ALP
• ALT
• AST
• GGT
• PT
• Serum bilirubin
• Urine bilirubin

Please see individual tests for details on how each is performed. Alternative Names LFT Review Date: 10/13/2006 Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. - 0 Comments

Liver function tests

Sep 04, 2008 - Back HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Tests that monitor liver function are usually performed by withdrawing a sample of blood. Review Date: 10/13/2006 Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. - 0 Comments

Cirrhosis

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Complications
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Lifestyle Changes
• Abdominal Infections
• Encephalopathy
• Ascites
• Bleeding Episodes
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Drug Approval In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved HepaGram B, an injectable immune globulin that can help prevent recurrence of hepatitis B following liver transplantation. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune liver disease that increases the risk for liver cancer. According to a 2007 study, specific risk factors may help predict which patients with primary biliary cirrhosis are at particularly high risk of developing liver cancer. - 0 Comments

Hepatitis

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Diagnosis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B and D
• Hepatitis C
• Autoimmune Hepatitis
• Symptom Management
• Outlook
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Drug Approvals

• In 2006, the FDA approved telbivudine (Tyzeka), a new type of nucleoside analog drug, for treatment of chronic hepatitis B. There are now six drugs approved for hepatitis B treatment.
• In 2007, the FDA approved HepaGam B, an intravenous immune globulin drug, for preventing hepatitis B recurrence following liver transplantation.

Drug Warning In 2007, the FDA revised the prescribing label for entecavir (Baraclude), a drug used to treat hepatitis B. The new label advises against using entacavir in patients infected with both hepatitis B and HIV who are not receiving antiretroviral (anti-HIV) therapy. - 0 Comments

Cirrhosis

Oct 08, 2008 - Overview

• Signs and Symptoms
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Diagnosis
• Prevention
• Treatment
• Other Considerations
• Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Cirrhosis is a condition that causes scarring of the liver as a result of chronic liver disease. Scarring blocks blood and bile flow through the liver and keeps it from working properly. As the largest internal organ in the body, the liver performs many vital tasks. - 0 Comments

Alcoholism

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Complications
• Diagnosis
• Treatment for Alcoholism...
• Treatment for Alcohol Withd...
• Therapy
• Medications
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Drug Research Topiramate (Topamax), an anticonvulsant drug used to treat epilepsy, is showing promise as a treatment for alcohol dependence. In a 2007 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients who took topiramate had fewer heavy drinking days, fewer drinks per day, and more days of not drinking at all than patients who received placebo. Alcohol and Heart Disease Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among people who are heavy drinkers. - 1 Comment

Vitamins

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Carotenoids
• Phytochemicals
• Healthy Foods
• Dietary Health Benefits
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Cancer Growing evidence suggests that vitamins and micronutrients, especially from foods, may play important roles in the prevention or treatment of certain cancers:

• One study found that the risk of prostate cancer risk dropped as consumption of vegetables high in vitamin C, such as broccoli and bell peppers, rose.
• A diet high in cruciferous vegetables has been found to reduce the risk of kidney cancer; low consumption of cruciferous vegetables increases the risk.

On the other hand, high amounts of folic acid (a B vitamin) may be associated with colorectal cancer, and beta-carotene supplements are associated with increased lung cancer risk in smokers and people exposed to asbestos. Macular Degeneration In 2007, the National Eye Institute recommended that people with intermediate or advanced macular degeneration in one eye take a vitamin formula shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration in the other eye by 25%. The formula contains vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc. - 0 Comments

Liver metastases

Sep 03, 2008 - Overview

• Definition
• Alternative Names
• Causes, incidence, and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Signs and tests
• Treatment
• Expectations (prognosis)
• Complications
• Calling your health care provider
• Prevention

Illustrations Liver biopsy Hepatocellular cancer, CT scan Liver metastases, CT scan Digestive system organs HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Definition Liver metastases is cancer that has spread to the liver from somewhere else in the body. See also: Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) Alternative Names Metastases to the liver Causes, incidence, and risk factors Cancer that may spread to the liver include colorectal, pancreatic, stomach and esophageal cancers, as well as breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, and a number of other cancers. The reasons for the spread of cancer vary. - 0 Comments