What are signs of chronic liver disease detectable in clinical chemistry?

Chronic liver disease often leads to specific biochemical changes that can be detected through clinical chemistry assays. Elevated bilirubin levels indicate that the liver is not effectively processing and excreting this waste product from the breakdown of hemoglobin, which is a common issue in liver dysfunction.

Altered liver enzyme levels, such as increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), reflect hepatocellular injury or cholestasis, conditions frequently seen in chronic liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis. These enzymes are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged.

Low albumin levels are another hallmark of chronic liver disease. The liver synthesizes albumin, which is crucial for maintaining oncotic pressure and transporting various substances in the blood. A decrease in albumin can indicate diminished synthetic capacity of the liver, which occurs when the liver is significantly impaired over time.

These findings provide a comprehensive picture of liver function and the extent of liver damage, making them critical indicators in the assessment of chronic liver disease.