BMJ  2004;328:987 (24 April), doi:10.1136/bmj.38055.451968.55 (published 17 March 2004)

Commentary

Liver function tests: defining what's normal

Paul Roderick, senior lecturer in public health1

1 Community Clinical Sciences Research Division, University of Southampton, B Floor, South Academic Block, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD

Correspondence to: P Roderick pjr@soton.ac.uk

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma are major worldwide public health problems in countries with endemically high levels of viral hepatitis (B and C).1 However, even in western countries chronic liver disease is an emerging problem, due not only to viral hepatitis but also to the effects of lifestyle factors such as heavy alcohol consumption and obesity.2 3

Liver function tests are widely performed blood tests used in patients with suspected liver disease or unexplained illness and in some specific situations such as screening of blood donors. The most widely used tests are those used to detect the aminotransferases—alanine and aspartate—which are associated with hepatocellular injury. Raised concentrations may indicate serious underlying chronic liver disease, recognition of which is important for guiding interventions to modify lifestyle and use of specific therapies such as interferon for hepatitis C to prevent the risk of progression to cirrhosis.

The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values . . . [Full text of this article]


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This article has been cited by other articles:

  • McLernon, D. J, Donnan, P. T, Ryder, S., Roderick, P., Sullivan, F. M, Rosenberg, W., Dillon, J. F (2009). Health outcomes following liver function testing in primary care: a retrospective cohort study. Fam Pract 26: 251-259 [Abstract] [Full text]  
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