agoode,
Berry06161987 was my dad who posted for me. What did they tell you at U of M. That is where I am being treated, they still don't know what is wrong. I started to take a steroid, which has lowered my AST/ALT. But my ALT is still not back to normal. What did they say your son had?
I had elevated enzymes for 9 years that I know of before last February having a liver ultra sound and discovering that I have cirrhosis of the liver caused from non alcoholic fatty liver disease, my liver is small shrivelled and fibrous and only 20% of my liver is okay, the damage is irriversable. I also have portal hypertension, barretts osephegus and my spleen is enlarged. Since diagnosed I have lost 19kg in weight, I am 76kg, 55 years old female. My liver tests are now in normal range. What I would like to know is how do I retain that 20%, is it only through diet and exercise? can I do any strenuous exercise with the portal hypertension or would I be putting myself at risk, at the moment I go to the pools 3 times a week and walk for 45 minutes and the days in between I walk for half an hour a day. I get hot flushes, itchy midrift,nausea, fatigue and have always had insommnia. I go for a 2nd ultra sound next week and am hoping that I have retained the 20% of my liver that is still working. Any advice would be gratefully received. My diet consists of mainly fruit, vegetables, small amount of protein and carbs daily. Cheers, Chris
Brry,
My son seems to have exactly the same symptoms as you. His problem started by waking up in the middle of the night throwing up. Did yours resolve itself? They are holding off on the biopsy to see if his levels go down more. He also had elevated numbers on his kidney functions. He was transfered to the University of Michigan Hospital yesterday and his levels are slowly going down.
I would for sure go see a liver specialist.
My daughter 17 has been very sick and was finally diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Virus via Bloodwork after 4 weeks of being ill.
Her ALT is 819 & AST 252 & ALK PHOS 278, Which worries me.
Her ENT did comment they were high, and said just to retest in 6 weeks to see if they return to normal, no Tylenol, Sports. I will follow up with our Family PHD also.
Is this good advice, is there anything else I should do?
Are these levels considered "normal" for an EBV infection?
Thank you
With regards to my bilirubin it has pretty much returned to normal, 1.3.
I have been tested for all types of hepatitis, and all were negative. I am currently getting care from liver specialist at a major academic medical center in Michigan.
Would you suggest maybe going to Mayo Clinic? What other hospitals and/or doctors would you recommend?
Yes, a second opinion - including one with a liver specialist - is recommended.
AST/ALT above 2,000 is severely high. Normally things like hepatitis and acute liver intoxication (i.e. Tylenol overdose) brings it that high.
The imaging studies, including the CT and ultrasound, are negative. An MRCP should be done to evaluate for biliary obstruction (evidenced with an elevated bilirubin). The liver biopsy would also be essential to give a more definitive diagnosis.
I would consider a referral to a major academic medical center for another opinion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
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.
kevinmd_