Translating Medical Terms

[Gostevie]

Hello Fellow Fools,

Does anybody know what this means in layman's terms?

"Please note that liver synthetic function is preserved with a platelet count of 200, normal bilirubin and normal albumin, cholesterol to HDL ratio is 1.47, ALT 63, AST 127, HbA1c within normal range."

I haven't a clue!

Many thanks,

Gostevie

[bungeejumper]

It looks pretty good to me. A medic will be along in a minute, but this patient's liver function is fine; his/her bilurubin (which is also related to liver function) is normal; his albumen level (related to kidneys and unwanted proteins) is OK; his markers for type 2 diabetes are all normal; and that his "good cholesterol" (HDL) is excellent in relation to his overall cholesterol.

ALT and AST I don't know. I get the rest checked once a year, and mine are good but a lot less good than these.

BJ

[redsturgeon]

In the simplest terms liver function is within normal ranges. Some slightly high numbers for ALT and AST but nothing bad.

Hence "liver function is preserved"

John

[Itsallaguess]

Hence "liver function is preserved"

Phew - not 'pickled' then....

Cheers,

Itsallaguess

[Maroochydore]

ALT and AST I don't know.

ALT and AST are liver enzymes and are measured as a ratio AST:ALT.

A ratio of 1.15 is found in a healthy person. This ratio is 2.01.

If the ratio is between 1.4 and 2.0, it suggests cirrhosis.

More than 2 suggests alcoholic liver disease. 2.01 is just over the threshold but it can go up to 6 in severe cases.

This does indicate a problem, which probably requires changes to your lifestyle...... less alcohol and tobacco and more exercise and healthy food.

Time for a chat with your doctor but seems nothing too serious at present.

[EssDeeAitch]

I cant interperate it but I do know that elevated bilirubin levels make one itch like you cannot believe. I know this as when I had gall stones (removed by endoscopy and later the gall bladder was removed) my bilirubin levels were very high the itching was too awful for words.
I wouldn't wish it on anyone, well, not on too many anyway

[bungeejumper]

I cant interperate it but I do know that elevated bilirubin levels make one itch like you cannot believe. I know this as when I had gall stones (removed by endoscopy and later the gall bladder was removed) my bilirubin levels were very high the itching was too awful for words.
I wouldn't wish it on anyone, well, not on too many anyway

Bilurubin is what your liver produces when it recycles old blood cells. It's also the reason why your poo isn't green. A little thought to speed you on your way this merry morning.

BJ

[UncleIan]

Bilurubin is what your liver produces when it recycles old blood cells. It's also the reason why your poo isn't green. A little thought to speed you on your way this merry morning.

Unless you've been eating food with black food colouring in, then your poo turns green. That was a bit of a shock one Nov. 1st.

[bungeejumper]

Bilurubin is what your liver produces when it recycles old blood cells. It's also the reason why your poo isn't green. A little thought to speed you on your way this merry morning.

Unless you've been eating food with black food colouring in, then your poo turns green. That was a bit of a shock one Nov. 1st.

Similar after a CT scan I once had, where they'd put a dye into my bloodstream. Livid orange was a bit of a surprise!

BJ

[EssDeeAitch]

I cant interperate it but I do know that elevated bilirubin levels make one itch like you cannot believe. I know this as when I had gall stones (removed by endoscopy and later the gall bladder was removed) my bilirubin levels were very high the itching was too awful for words.
I wouldn't wish it on anyone, well, not on too many anyway

Bilurubin is what your liver produces when it recycles old blood cells. It's also the reason why your poo isn't green. A little thought to speed you on your way this merry morning.

BJ

Well it's all getting a bit graphic but anyway; with high bilirubin levels, urine turns very dark and poo very pale.

[UncleEbenezer]

It's 12:42.

Just read this before lunch. Yum.