investigations
Last reviewed 11/2023
Investigations aimed at finding cause:
- history of alcohol abuse
- mean cell volume, gamma GTP, serum ferritin, alpha-1 antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin
- viral titres and antibodies
Investigations aimed at determining severity:
- plasma biochemistry - clotting studies, bilirubin, AST, albumin, U+Es, glucose (variable but may show raised INR, raised AST, and reduced glucose, sodium and albumin)
- platelets
- ultrasound (for liver, spleen and ascites)
- liver biopsy
Other possible investigations:
- ascitic tap
- endoscopy for varices
- portal pressure measurements
- EEG for encephalopathy
enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score
NICE - transient elastography in the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis