liver responsible for removing ammonium from body, hence in liver cancer, u get buildup which accumulates in brain causing hepatic encephalopathy.
pt becomes lethargic and unresponsive.
pt can be given lactulose which helps body remove some ammoinium but not curative as the buildup continues. side effects of lactulose is diarrhea, hence it is also used for constipation.
other signs/symptoms include tremors of upper extremities (asterix), jaundice (yellow of eyes and skin), pedal edema due to portico hypertension which can also produce esophageal varices.
once saw a pt with hepatitis c bleed out due to ruptured esophageal varices during EGD.
werent able to stop bleeding so she died.
The primary function of the liver is to remove toxins from the blood stream. A high concentration of ammonia in a patient’s blood indicates their liver is not functioning properly.
liver responsible for removing ammonium from body, hence in liver cancer, u get buildup which accumulates in brain causing hepatic encephalopathy.
pt becomes lethargic and unresponsive.
pt can be given lactulose which helps body remove some ammoinium but not curative as the buildup continues. side effects of lactulose is diarrhea, hence it is also used for constipation.
other signs/symptoms include tremors of upper extremities (asterix), jaundice (yellow of eyes and skin), pedal edema due to portico hypertension which can also produce esophageal varices.
once saw a pt with hepatitis c bleed out due to ruptured esophageal varices during EGD.
werent able to stop bleeding so she died.
The primary function of the liver is to remove toxins from the blood stream. A high concentration of ammonia in a patient’s blood indicates their liver is not functioning properly.