What issues can typically be detected by a five-item liver function test?

Generally, the term "liver function five-item test" refers to a standard liver function test comprising five parameters. This test can help detect various liver diseases such as fatty liver, drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. If any discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Fatty Liver

Fatty liver is a condition caused by excessive fat deposition in the liver, commonly associated with unhealthy dietary habits, lack of physical activity, alcohol abuse, and other factors. In the liver function five-item test, patients with fatty liver often show elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

2. Drug-induced Liver Injury

Certain medications and chemical substances may exert toxic effects on the liver, and long-term use or overdose of drugs can easily lead to drug-induced liver injury. In the liver function five-item test, patients with drug-induced liver injury will show elevated levels of ALT and AST.

3. Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease is usually associated with long-term and excessive alcohol consumption. In the liver function five-item test, patients with alcoholic liver disease also show elevated ALT and AST levels, and as the condition worsens, these indicators may rise more significantly.

4. Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a disease caused by infection with hepatitis viruses. In the liver function five-item test, hepatitis patients typically show elevated ALT and AST levels. Additionally, hepatitis virus infection may lead to abnormal bilirubin metabolism, causing changes in total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels.

5. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease caused by long-term liver damage leading to hepatocyte necrosis and fibrous tissue proliferation. In the liver function five-item test, patients with cirrhosis show elevated levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, ALT, and AST.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption promptly, consuming light and nutritious food, and reducing intake of irritating foods are beneficial for maintaining liver health.