Liver Function Readings

[concerned2008581]

Hi Doctor:

I am a 46 year old male.  About a month ago my liver function readings were elevated, so my Doctor took me off Lipitor to see if it was the Lipitor or alcohol consumption causing them to be high.  He told me to come back in one month to be tested again.  Even without the Lipitor, they went up some to 74 AST and 142 ALT.  Now he wants me to go to get a GI Specialist.  I asked if this was for more testing, he just said no, but they would be better off determining what medication you should be on.  
I drink daily about two beers and then 3 drinks total of 10 to 12 oz of liquor.  I have measured it so this is very accurate.  How high are these readings?   I am also on a very restrictive low-carbohydrate diet.  Could this be causing the problem?  What are the risks of having readings this high?  What does it lead to?  Any other thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[Jacker]

You only get to ask one question of Dr Pho - I've found that out for myself.  In my non-expert opinion, 10-12 oz of liquor per day (plus 2 beers)  would be enough to raise your enzymes.  Adding Lipitor to the mix would possibly aggravate it.  I'll bet that if you stayed off the alcohol for 30 days, you would see an improvement.  I drank too much for too long, but never had raised enzymes on a bloodwork because I always stopped drinking 2-3 weeks before a scheduled blood test.  That amount of alcohol on a daily basis is a lot, and bound to cause you problems at some point.  

[concerned2008581]

Thank you Kevin.  A few quick questions and I will leave you alone.

Which Hepatitis are you referring to?  A, B, or C?  

I recently had a complete STD test two weeks ago and came out negative on everything.  Wouldn't that have caught Hepatitis?  

What are anatomical causes?

Finally, you say my readings are moderately high so nothing to be alarmed about?  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the referral to the GI specialist.  

I would abstain from alcohol to see if the readings decreased.  Blood tests should be done to exclude hepatitis.  

I would also obtain a liver ultrasound to rule out anatomical causes.

The readings are moderately elevated, and do require further evaluation.  If they keep rising, a liver biopsy should be considered.

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

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com