Rapid increase in liver enzyme level for 105 to over 600 in 1 month

My husband went to the doctor to have the doctor check to see if the medication Tricor was doing anything.  He had been on it for about 6 months.  The doctor told him that his cholesterol was high and took him off of Tricor and put him on Lipitor.  His blood test at this time May 25th 2004 were normal cholseterol was 120.  He started taking the Lipitor 20mgs around June 10th. Prior to starting the Lipitor he was feeling fine, he had lose about 35 lbs on partial Atkins diet starting in October of 2003.  After he started the Lipitor, he started to lose weight rather quickly (15 lbs in a month) and was not feeling well.  The doctor had told him to return after taking the medication for a month.  He returned to the doctor on July 12, 2004.  They did a blood test, upper GI, ultra sound and x-rays. The results of the liver enzymes had increased from 106 to over 600. The upper GI and the x-rays came out clear. The doctor told him the the ultra sound found tumors in his liver and has scheduled a CAT scan of his enitre body.  My question is is this increase in liver enzymes normal or is this a rapid increase?  He had no other problems prior to this medication change.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

This is most definitely a rapid increase.  If the liver scan was negative, then I would have said stop the Lipitor.  However, there appears to be tumors in the liver and this is very concerning.  The liver tumors certainly can be raising the enzymes as well and must be resolved as quickly as possible.  The CT scan of the entire body is to determine if there is spread of any cancer.  

In addition, I would also discuss stopping the Lipitor with your physician.

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Kelly458]

A related discussion, Liver Enzymes was started.