Elevated AST/ALT 3 years after chemo

[Brassica]

Hi Doctor.  Three years after chemotherapy for ovarian cancer my liver numbers are still elevated (AST 38-40/ALT 41-44).  I don't drink alcohol (less than a glass of wine per week), I've used milk thistle and teas and herbs and other "cleansing" remedies, I eat extremely healthy food and drink lots of water.  I still have a low white cell count, platelets, and neutros, too.  Any suggestions for what I might do to help out my liver and encourage my body to recover?  Thanks!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Finding out the cause of the slightly elevated enzymes can help determine the treatment.

Of course, medication side effects are one of the most common causes.  I would obtain blood tests to exclude viral hepatitis and imaging the liver with an ultrasound.

If negative, simply doing serial liver function blood tests can be done - as the results are only mildly elevated.  

If they continue to rise past 3 times the upper limit of normal, a biopsy can be considered.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[kmps]

I am a 68 yr. old women who has always had elevated ALT,,,,which my doctor is watching.  Most recently they jumped from 58 to 82.  Now I am experiencing pain in my right lower rib cage both in the front and back.  Sometimes it is worse than other times.  I can actually push in both the front and back at the bottom of the rib cage and make the pain worse.  Any suggestions....P.S. I have been diagnosed with "fatty Liver"...however, I seldom drink liquor...when I do it is generally 1-2 glasses of wine once or twice a week.  

[Brassica]

This is very helpful -- thanks very much!