Alters ammonia metabolism by colonic bacteriaExcellent! Lactulose is metabolized into lactic acid in the colon. This leads to acidification of ammonia, a biomolecule which has been implicated in hepatic encephalopathy. Ammonium becomes entrapped in the GI tract and is removed in feces. Acidification of the colon also results in reduced production of ammonia by colonic bacteria. Investigations You review Andrew's blood results. Bilirubin: 41 mmol/L (<17) Albumin: 32 g/L (35-45) Alkaline phosphatase: 145 IU/L (30-100) Alanine transaminase: 8300 IU/L (<40) Gamma-glutamyl transferase: 1031 IU/L (<70) Creatinine: 405 micromol/L (60-100) Paracetamol: Not detected INR: 7.2 (0.8-1.1) You proceed to place Andrew on the liver transplant list. A few hours later, a liver becomes available and Andrew is taken to the operating theater. What is the most accurate statement based on the investigations? |
Map: Andrew Hall (1102)
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Review your pathway |
