Nyreleverfunksjon

Nyreleverfunksjon refers to the combined functional status of the kidneys and the liver, two central organs that coordinate metabolism, detoxification, and homeostasis in the body. While each organ has distinct roles, their activities are closely linked in maintaining metabolic balance and excretion of waste.

The liver is the body's primary metabolic hub. It metabolizes nutrients, detoxifies drugs and xenobiotics, and processes endogenous compounds. It produces bile for fat digestion, synthesizes plasma proteins including albumin and coagulation factors, and participates in glucose and lipid metabolism. The liver also converts ammonia to urea and plays a key role in drug clearance through phase I and phase II reactions.

The kidneys filter blood to remove waste products and regulate fluid balance, electrolyte levels, acid-base status, and blood pressure. They excrete waste in urine, reabsorb essential substances, and produce hormones such as erythropoietin and active vitamin D. Renin release helps control systemic hemodynamics, further linking renal and hepatic function in overall physiology.

Interplay and clinical relevance: The liver often converts lipophilic compounds into water-soluble metabolites that the kidneys can excrete. Conversely, impaired renal function can lead to accumulation of toxins that affect liver function, and severe liver disease can alter renal perfusion and drug clearance, as seen in hepatorenal syndrome. Drug dosing and toxicology assessments commonly require integrated evaluation of nyreleverfunksjon.

Assessment typically involves liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, albumin, INR) and kidney function tests (GFR or creatinine, BUN, electrolytes), alongside imaging and, when needed, specialized clearance studies.