Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT)) is a protein that is made in the liver. The liver releases this protein into the bloodstream. AAT protects the lungs so they can work normally.

Cirrhosis is the result of chronic liver disease that causes scarring of the liver and liver dysfunction. This often has many complications, including accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding disorders (coagulopathy), increased pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension), and confusion or a change in the level of consciousness (hepatic encephalopathy).

Genotype: all or part of the genetic constitution of an individual or group – compare

Jaundice is a yellow color in the skin, the mucous membranes, or the eyes. The yellow pigment is from bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells.

A liver panel, also know as liver (hepatic) function tests or LFT, is used to detect, evaluate, and monitor liver disease or damage. It usually consists of seven tests that are run at the same time on a blood sample. These include

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) – an enzyme mainly found in the liver
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) – an enzyme related to the bile ducts
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) – an enzyme found in the liver and a few other places, particularly the heart and other muscles in the body
• Bilirubin – two different tests of bilirubin often used together(especially if a person has jaundice): total bilirubin measures all the bilirubin in the blood; direct bilirubin measures a form that is conjugated (combined with another compound) in the liver
• Albumin – measures the main protein made by the liver and tells whether or not the liver is making an adequate amount of protein
• Total Protein – measures albumin and all other proteins in blood, including antibodies made to help fight off infections

Other tests that that could be requested along with the liver panel are gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), and prothrombin time (PT).

Panniculitis - a skin condition which is characterized by hardened skin with painful lumps or patches. Panniculitis varies in severity and can occur at any age

Phenotype - the observable properties of an organism that are produced by the interaction of the genotype and the environment