REG NO: HS 203/107518/21

NAME: EDWIN MAINGI

UNIT: MEDICINE 2

ASSIGNMENT: LIVER FUNCTION TESTS

The liver, located in the right upper quadrant, just below the diaphragm plays a significant role in
metabolism,, digestion, detoxification, and elimination of substances from the body. Therefore, reviewing
liver function tests can help in pinpointing the area of hepatic injury, and the elevation pattern can help
organize a differential diagnosis. They also help in monitoring thr progress of a disease and hoe effective
the treatments are. Examples of these tests include

1) Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

It is found primarily in the liver. Elevated levels may indicate liver damage as seen in Acute viral
hepatitis, Toxin or drug induced hepatitis, hepatic infarction and cholestasis. The true normal
values for ALT range from 29 to 33 IU/L in men and 19 to 25 IU/L in women.
2) Aspartate aminotransfersa (AST)
AST is also an enzyme found in the liver. However, elevated levels may suggest liver damage in
addition to conditions affecting other organs like the heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, brain,
pancreas, lungs, leucocytes, and red cells. It is not as sensitive or specific for the liver as ALT .
AST activity in neonates and infants is approximately twice that in adults, but these decline to
adult levels by approximately six months.
3) Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
An increase in levels of this hepatocyte enzyme suggests cholestasis. Results may not be specific
because alkaline phosphatase consists of several isoenzymes and has a widespread extrahepatic
distribution (eg, in the placenta, the small intestine, white blood cells, kidneys, and particularly
bone).
4) Gammma glutamyl transferase ( GGT)
Levels of this enzyme increase in hepatobiliary dysfunction, especially cholestasis, and correlate
loosely with levels of alkaline phosphatase. Elevated levels are seen mainly in liver disease and
alcohol abuse.
5) Bilirubin
Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia may indicate severe disease like hepatocellular and biliary tract
dysfunction.