BOF 9
A 65-year-old male presents with a wound infection
complicating repair of an inguinal hernia. The patient is septic with a
neutrophil leucocytosis, normal haemoglobin and normal reticulocyte count and
platelet count. The patient’s serum bilirubin is raised but serum transaminases
and alkaline phosphatase are normal.
This condition is due to:
a)
Cholestasis associated with severe sepsis
b)
Shocked liver
c)
Pyogenic liver abscess
d)
Enlarged lymph nodes at the porta-hepatis
e)
Haemolysis
Answer:
a)
Cholestasis may occur in severe sepsis and is often
associated with normal transaminases and alkaline phosphatase. The pathogenesis
is unknown but gross liver damage does not occur. When treated with the
appropriate antibiotics, rapid resolution occurs.
Last Updated: 19/02/06
