Elevated Liver Enzymes

My husband has severe ulcerative colitis. He has been on prendisone for a year and a half, remicade for the past few months and methotrexate. Today we were told his liver enzymes are high and to go off the methotrexate immediately. Anybody been there before?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
There are two possibilities.
1. Methotrexate is a hepatotoxic medication which can cause liver injury resulting in high liver enzymes.

2. About 5-10% of those with UC develop primary sclerosing cholangitis which affects bile ducts which also cause high enzyme levels.

Consult your gastro doctor to look for these possibilities.

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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.