What are liver function tests (LFTs)?

Liver function tests measure the levels of specific enzymes, proteins, and substances in the blood to evaluate liver health and function.

What liver diseases can be detected through LFTs?

LFTs can help detect diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

How does hepatitis affect liver function?

Hepatitis, caused by viruses or other factors, can lead to inflammation and damage in the liver, affecting its ability to function properly.

What is fatty liver disease, and how is it detected?

Fatty liver disease is characterized by an excess of fat in the liver cells. It can be detected through elevated levels of liver enzymes and imaging tests.

What are the signs of cirrhosis detected by LFTs?

Cirrhosis, or liver scarring, may be indicated by abnormal levels of liver enzymes and proteins, and can lead to complications in liver function.

How does liver cancer impact liver function tests?

Liver cancer can cause abnormal levels of liver enzymes and proteins, as well as elevated levels of tumor markers.

What are normal ranges for liver enzymes?

Normal ranges vary by test, but typically include ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin. Deviations from these ranges may indicate liver issues.

Common Liver Diseases Detected by Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests (LFTs) are a crucial tool in diagnosing liver health and detecting potential liver diseases. These tests measure the levels of various enzymes, proteins, and substances in the blood that indicate how well the liver is functioning. Understanding these tests can help in identifying common liver diseases early, enabling timely and effective treatment. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common liver diseases that liver function tests can detect and how they can be managed.

What Are Liver Function Tests?

Liver function tests are a group of blood tests used to assess the health of your liver. They measure the levels of several key substances in the blood, including:

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme found primarily in the liver. Elevated levels can indicate liver inflammation or damage.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): An enzyme found in the liver, heart, and muscles. Increased levels can suggest liver damage, but can also be due to other conditions.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme related to the bile ducts. High levels may indicate bile duct obstructions or liver disease.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): An enzyme involved in the metabolism of drugs and toxins. Elevated levels can signal liver disease or bile duct problems.
Bilirubin: A substance produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. High levels can indicate liver dysfunction or bile duct issues.
Albumin: A protein made by the liver. Low levels can suggest liver disease or kidney problems.
Prothrombin Time (PT): A measure of blood clotting. Extended PT can be a sign of liver damage since the liver produces clotting factors.

Common Liver Diseases Detected by Liver Function Tests

Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver often caused by viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E). Liver function tests can show elevated levels of ALT and AST, indicating inflammation. Chronic hepatitis can lead to more serious liver issues if not treated promptly.

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Symptoms: Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Treatment: Antiviral medications, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, liver transplantation.

Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells. It can be caused by alcohol consumption (alcoholic fatty liver disease) or other factors like obesity and diabetes (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). LFTs might show elevated levels of ALT and AST.

Symptoms: Often asymptomatic but can include tiredness and discomfort in the upper right abdomen.
Treatment: Weight loss, dietary changes, controlling diabetes and cholesterol levels, and avoiding alcohol.

Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver tissue, usually due to long-term liver damage from hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or other chronic conditions. Elevated bilirubin and abnormal levels of liver enzymes in LFTs can signal cirrhosis.

Symptoms: Jaundice, swelling in the abdomen and legs, fatigue, and easy bruising.
Treatment: Addressing the underlying cause, medications to manage symptoms, and in advanced cases, liver transplantation.

Liver Cancer
Liver cancer can be primary (originating in the liver) or secondary (spreading from other parts of the body). While liver function tests alone cannot diagnose cancer, abnormal results can indicate liver dysfunction associated with cancer.

Symptoms: Unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, and loss of appetite.
Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies depending on the stage and type of cancer.

Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a condition where the body absorbs too much iron from food, leading to iron buildup in the liver and other organs. Liver function tests might show abnormal levels of liver enzymes due to iron overload.

Symptoms: Joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, and diabetes.
Treatment: Regular phlebotomy (blood removal), iron chelation therapy, and dietary changes.

Wilson's Disease
Wilson’s disease is a genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the liver and other organs. Elevated liver enzymes and abnormal bilirubin levels in LFTs can indicate this condition.

Symptoms: Neurological symptoms like tremors, behavioral changes, and liver symptoms like jaundice and abdominal pain.
Treatment: Medications to remove excess copper, dietary changes, and in severe cases, liver transplantation.

Why Regular Monitoring Is Important

Regular monitoring through liver function tests is essential for early detection of liver diseases. Many liver conditions can be managed more effectively when identified early, potentially preventing further damage and complications. If you have risk factors such as obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, or a family history of liver disease, regular LFTs are especially important.

Treatment Options at Continental Hospitals

Continental Hospitals offers a comprehensive range of treatment options for liver diseases. Here are some of the services you can expect:

Diagnostic Services: Advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs to diagnose liver conditions accurately.
Medical Management: Personalized treatment plans including medications and lifestyle modifications for conditions like fatty liver disease and hepatitis.
Interventional Procedures: Specialized procedures for managing complications of liver diseases, including endoscopic treatments and biopsies.
Surgical Options: For advanced liver conditions, including liver transplants and surgeries for liver cancer or cirrhosis.
Multidisciplinary Care: Access to a team of specialists, including hepatologists, surgeons, and nutritionists, for comprehensive care.

Conclusion

Liver function tests are essential for diagnosing and managing liver diseases. By understanding the common conditions that can be detected through these tests, you can better monitor your liver health and seek appropriate treatment. If your liver function tests show abnormal results, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive the right care.