How to assess the degree of liver damage

Dec 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

The extent of liver injury is primarily determined through a comprehensive evaluation including liver function biochemical tests, liver imaging examinations, coagulation function tests, liver fibrosis markers, and clinical symptom assessment. Integrating results from multiple dimensions enables accurate assessment of liver damage. If symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, or hepatic region pain occur, or if there are risk factors for liver injury, prompt medical attention is recommended.

To assess the severity of liver injury, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted through liver function biochemical tests, liver imaging studies, coagulation function tests, liver fibrosis markers, and clinical symptom assessment. Integrating multidimensional results enables accurate determination of liver damage. If symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, or liver-area pain occur, or if there are known risk factors for liver injury, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

1. Liver Function Biochemical Tests: Measure indicators such as transaminases, bilirubin, and albumin. Elevated transaminases suggest hepatocellular injury; increased bilirubin reflects impaired bile excretion; and reduced albumin indicates compromised synthetic function of the liver. The degree of abnormality in these markers correlates with the severity of liver damage.

2. Liver Imaging Studies: Use ultrasound, CT, or MRI to observe liver morphology. Findings such as uneven liver parenchyma, hepatomegaly or atrophy, and ascites indicate more severe liver damage. These can help identify complications such as cirrhosis or liver abscess.

3. Coagulation Function Tests: The liver is the primary site of clotting factor synthesis. Prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and reduced clotting factors indicate impaired synthetic function. The greater the prolongation, the more severe the liver injury, potentially progressing to liver failure.

4. Liver Fibrosis Marker Tests: Assess levels of hyaluronic acid, laminin, and other markers. Elevated levels suggest hepatic fibrosis; higher values indicate longer duration or greater severity of liver injury, warranting vigilance for the risk of developing cirrhosis.

5. Clinical Symptom Assessment: Mild injury may present no obvious symptoms. Moderate injury may cause fatigue, poor appetite, and bloating. Severe injury is associated with jaundice, ascites, and intense pain in the liver area. More severe symptoms generally indicate deeper liver damage.

In daily life, avoid alcohol consumption and drug misuse, reduce intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late, engage in moderate gentle exercise, keep emotions stable, and undergo regular follow-up testing of relevant indicators to support liver function recovery and prevent further damage.

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Can people with liver damage receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

In general, whether patients with liver injury can receive the COVID-19 vaccine depends on the severity of their condition. Those with mild, stable liver injury can usually be vaccinated, whereas individuals with moderate to severe or acute-phase liver injury are not advised to get vaccinated immediately. Patients with liver injury should strictly follow medical advice regarding medication and avoid taking drugs that are hepatotoxic. They should maintain a light and balanced diet, reducing intake of greasy foods.

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What does it mean if only alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is elevated?

In general, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) alone may be caused by factors such as intense physical exercise, staying up late, fatigue, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, or viral hepatitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, alcohol consumption should be avoided, intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods reduced, and liver function tests performed regularly.

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What does abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) mean, and what should be done?

In general, abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels may be caused by intense physical exercise, staying up late, viral hepatitis, fatty liver, drug-induced liver injury, or other reasons. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain a regular作息 schedule and avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue.

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What does it mean when alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is high, and what should be done?

In general, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels may be caused by factors such as staying up late, fatigue, excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or drug-induced liver injury. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain regular作息 habits and avoid staying up late or drinking alcohol; eat a balanced diet and reduce intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods; consult a doctor before taking any medication.