Liver Function, Jaundice, and Cirrhosis

This extensive topic is indispensable for Zambian students in clinical medicine, medical laboratory science, and physiology programs. It covers the liver's multifunctional roles in excretion (bilirubin metabolism), synthesis (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids), detoxification, and storage. A major focus is the pathophysiology of jaundice, classified into pre-hepatic (e.g., haemolysis), hepatic (e.g., Gilbert's, Crigler-Najjar, hepatitis), and post-hepatic (obstructive) causes, with detailed explanations of conjugated vs. unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. The topic also addresses cirrhosis, its complications (portal hypertension, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, coagulopathy), and the assessment of liver function through Liver Function Tests (LFTs). You will learn to interpret panels including bilirubin, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), and synthetic markers (albumin, prothrombin time). This knowledge is critical for diagnosing and managing prevalent liver conditions in Zambia, excelling in clinical biochemistry exams, and for effective laboratory and clinical practice.