Sunday February 14, 1999 - Question 9

A 21-year-old male ingested about 50 extra-strength acetaminophen tablets 24 hours earlier.  The patient complains of abdominal pain and vomiting, and is slightly jaundiced.  AST = 423, ALT = 434, LDH = 140, Bili Total = 3.0, Alk Phos = 164, PTT = 22.1, INR = 1.9.

Which of the following statements concerning the above lab test results is correct?

A. Elevated aminotransferase (AST / ALT) levels suggest acute hepatocellular injury and necrosis.
 
B. The degree of elevation of AST and ALT correlate well with the degree of hepatic injury.
 
C. Prothrombin time (PT) is a poor indicator of the severity of acute liver injury.
 
D. Elevated alkaline phosphatase and GGT are good indicators of liver injury in acetaminophen poisoning.
 
E. Elevated bilirubin is a good indicator of chronic liver disease.
 

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