Question

The following laboratory test results were found in a patient with mild weight loss and nausea and vomiting, who later developed jaundice and an enlarged liver. Questions What disease process is most likely in this patient?

Laboratory Results

Total serum bilirubin 20 mg/dL

Conjugated bilirubin 10 mg/dL

ALP Mildly elevated

AST Significantly elevated

ALT Moderately elevated

Albumin Decreased

Gamma-globulin Increased

Answer 1

Answer: - The total bilirubin (normal range: - 0.3 – 1.9 mg/dL) and conjugated bilirubin (normal range: - 0.0 – 0.3 mg/dL) levels are increased several times their normal values. Significantly elevated level of SGOT is also elevated. Altogether these highly elevated serum test values along with loss in body weight indicate the pathological condition of hepatitis. The increased level of gamma globulins indicates while reduced levels of albumin indicates the condition of cirrhosis damage of liver parenchyma tissue.