Clinical meaning
Liver Function involves pathological processes affecting GI mucosal integrity, motility, secretion, absorption, or hepatobiliary function. Liver Function pathophysiology includes epithelial barrier disruption, inflammatory cascades (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6), microbiome dysbiosis, and enteric nervous system dysfunction.
Diagnosis & workup
Diagnostics & workup: - FibroScan or FIB-4 score for hepatic fibrosis staging - CT abdomen/pelvis with IV contrast for acute abdominal pathology - MRCP for biliary and pancreatic duct evaluation - Abdominal X-ray: obstruction, free air, calcifications - HIDA scan for acute cholecystitis (ejection fraction <35% abnormal) - EGD with biopsy for upper GI pathology evaluation - Capsule endoscopy for obscure small bowel bleeding
Risk factors: - Chronic PPI use >8 weeks without reassessment - H. pylori infection (most common cause of PUD worldwide) - Celiac disease genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2/DQ8) - Pancreatic insufficiency with malabsorption - Family history of GI malignancy (first-degree relative) - NSAID use >2 weeks without gastroprotection - Alcohol use disorder with chronic mucosal injury