Paper Example on Alcoholic Liver Disease: Pathophysiology of Each Stage

Describe 1 major pathophysiological change that occurs in the liver for EACH stage of alcoholic liver disease (alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis). (1.5 pts)

At the alcoholic fatty liver stage, macro-vesicular fats accumulate in the liver. That is because large particles of triglyceride replace the perivenular hepatocytes and this makes the liver to enlarge, which is harmful to the patient.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

At the alcoholic hepatitis stage, chronic alcohol consumption leads to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines acetaldehyde toxicity, interleukins as well as lipid peroxidation. The stated factors lead to the fibrosis of the liver cells. Moreover, the occurrence of the stated phenomena causes the inflammation of the hepatocytes which could create a liver injury and subsequently induce necrosis and apoptosis.

At the cirrhosis stage the liver of the patient can be largely inflamed or swollen and also the patient suffers from fibrosis, which is the hardening of cells. Moreover, in the liver, there occurs damaging of cell membranes and this prevents detoxification of bodily impurities, which eventually leads to necrosis (cell death) or scarring.

What is Ascites? (0.5 pts)

Ascites is defined as the abnormal buildup of bodily fluids in a person's abdomen. It occurs if there is 25 mL or more of the fluid in a person's peritoneal cavity. The symptoms of Ascites include an increment in abdominal size, increased overall weight, development of abdominal discomfort as well as shortness of breath.

Explain 3 causes for the development of Ascites in liver disease. (1.5 pts)

The causes include an increment in pressure in the veins that take blood to the liver - portal hypertension and reduction in liver function as a result of liver cirrhosis or liver scarring. Third, Ascites can also be caused by the veno-occlusive disease of the liver.

For each test listed in the table above, explain why the results would have occurred. (4 pts)

The reduction of hematocrit in the patient could have been caused by folate deficiency in John arguably because of dietary lack. It could also be caused by weak anti-folate actions of the ethanol element in alcohol.

An increment in Prothrombin time or blood coagulation time in John could be from reason that high alcohol content acts as a blood thinner. That is because alcohol consumption increases the level of "good" cholesterol or the HDLs in the body. High HDL level reduces the rate of blood clotting.

The increase in liver enzymes (ALT) could be as a result of the liver problems in the manufacturing of bile juice or due to the presence of abnormalities in the liver cells.

An increase in the bilirubin levels in John could be from reason that the liver is not functioning properly. As a result, the liver could be having problems with clearing bilirubin in the body.

The low levels of white blood cells (WBC) in John's body can be from reason that alcoholism causes alcohol-induced suppression in a patient's bone marrow, which is the location the WBCs are manufactured.

Liver problems reduce the secretion of albumin in John's body. In this case, liver problems occurred due to John's excessive alcohol consumption.

Thrombocytes reduction in John's body was because of the platelet rebound effect that is caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

The increment in ammonia levels is due to the inability of John's liver to secret waste materials from the body. Additionally, that is because of the liver problems John is having.

Explain why would someone with cirrhosis has problems obtaining sufficient amounts vitamins A, D, E, and K. (1 pt)

Some people suffering from liver cirrhosis develop problems with their ability to obtain sufficient levels of vitamins A, D, E as well as K. That is because cirrhosis affects the secretion of bile in the liver, which is essential in breaking down essential elements like lipids or fat-soluble substances that essential for absorption of vitamins in the body.

Describe 3 factors that could be causing John's confusion and disorientation. (1.5 pts)

The factors that could be causing John to have confusion, as well as disorientation, may include the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, alcoholic dementia as well as delirium tremens (DTs). The three are all conditions related to alcoholism complications.