What Are the Key Indicators to Focus on in a Liver Function Test?
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Source: Network
Liver Function Tests: Key Indicators and Their Significance
Liver function tests serve as vital tools in assessing the health status of the liver. The primary indicators under observation encompass transaminases, bilirubin, serum proteins, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GGT), cholinesterase, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), among others. A detailed analysis follows:1. Transaminases
Transaminases are crucial markers reflecting the extent of hepatocellular damage, with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) being the most common. Normal ALT levels typically range between 0 and 40U/L, while AST levels are 0-40U/L for adult males and 0-35U/L for adult females. Elevated ALT levels generally indicate a higher degree of liver injury.2. Bilirubin
Bilirubin is a pivotal indicator for determining the severity of liver damage and the type of jaundice. Total bilirubin levels between 34.2 and 171umol/L suggest mild jaundice, 171 to 342umol/L indicate moderate jaundice, and levels exceeding 342umol/L signify severe jaundice. Elevations in direct and indirect bilirubin can aid physicians in initially classifying the type of jaundice.3. Serum Proteins
Serum proteins encompass total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and globulin. Decreased TP and ALB levels may reflect significant liver dysfunction. In cirrhosis patients, a notable decrease in albumin and an increase in globulin are common, resulting in a decreased or inverted albumin-to-globulin ratio.4. Alkaline Phosphatase and γ-Glutamyltransferase
Elevated ALP and γ-GGT levels may be associated with liver diseases and biliary obstruction. ALP may increase in jaundice and acute hepatitis, while γ-GGT rises in liver injury.5. Cholinesterase
Decreased CHE levels may indicate deteriorating liver reserve function, often linked to hepatocyte damage, biliary obstruction, or other liver diseases.6. Alpha-Fetoprotein
Persistently abnormal AFP levels, such as exceeding 500ug/L for four consecutive weeks or 200ug/L for eight weeks, are crucial diagnostic criteria for liver cancer. These indicators collectively reflect the extent of hepatocyte damage, jaundice type, liver synthetic function, and the presence of liver cancer or other pathologies.During liver function tests, physicians must prioritize these indicators for comprehensive assessment of liver health.
