A 56yearold man who is an alcoholic present with a 2week his

A 56-year-old man who is an alcoholic present with a 2-week history of mid-abdominal pain. He also describes clay-colored stools, mild icterus, nausea, vomiting, and a 10-lb weight loss. Laboratory findings are shown in Case Study Table 28-2.1. What organ system is primarily involved? What are the major diagnostic considerations? What do the laboratory results mean? What additional laboratory tests would be useful in establishing a diagnosis? What other studies or procedures might be required?

Solution

1. Liver is the organ primarily included.

2.Diagnostuc considerations: a. Liver function tests b. Complete blood count. C. Liver biopsy d. endoscopy and other imaging test like ultrasound, scan CT scan may be done.

3. The level of Alkaline phosphatase is much higher which means that there is elevation due to AL D. The level of serum bilirubin is also increased which indicates alcoholic liver disease.ALD.

As the elevation in aminotransferase level is moderate it says that liver is not damaged. Aminotransferases are used to detect the progression and the resolution of hepatocellular injury. Other indications include Wilson\'s disease hyperthyroidism.

The elevation in bilirubin levels can be observed in acute or chronic liver disease. Elevated levels of Alkaline phosphatase also indicate cirrhisis.

Bilirobin is yellow pigment found in bile released by liver increase the levels of Baleno been in the urine may indicate cirrhosis.

5.Liver function test complete blood count prothrombin time test should be performed in the cases of liver abnormalities.

Abdominal ultrasonography is also reliable radiographic study for diagnosing cirrhosis