Fatty Liver / Elevated Enzymes

I am a 26 yr. old male and am 5'5 145 lbs. I consider myself a moderate to heavy drinker (3-4x week 3-6 drinks per "outing").  I went to the doctor in December and they did a routine blood test and checked my liver enzymes bc i used to take propecia.  My ALT was 117 and AST was 68.  I was 156lbs at the time of the test and have lost 10 lbs since the test.    My doctor told me these were mildly elevated and i probably have fatty liver.  At my age, should i be freaked out about this?  I didnt eat to well before i went to the doctor and have been eating very healthy since i went (mostly fish, oatmeal, blueberries, almonds, cottage chees, yogurt, spinich).  I also have drank much less since then (3 mo's ago).  Maybe 2-3 drinks per week.  I work out 2-3 times a week and play hockey on top of that 2x week. Cholestorol was 136 and 39 respectively a bit high and a bit low on each end.  I am going to get bloodwork done in a few weeks but am scared by all the articles i've read i could have done serious damage to my liver over the last 7-8 years while ive been drinking...

My doc told me when i came back if the enzymes went down I would have to stop drinking for good.  I have been very scared again since i went and cut back tremendously with no problem.  If i dont drink for the recommended 4-6 weeks and the fatty deposits go away, can i maintain a few drinks/week or is my liver now more suseptible to this??

Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree that fatty liver should be considered, especially with the drinking history and elevated enzymes.

An ultrasound would be the appropriate test to exclude this diagnosis.  Abstaining from alcohol is an appropriate recommendation.  Indeed, if the enzymes do go down, I would continue to abstain.  

Repeating the liver enzymes should be done serially to ensure they aren't rising.

These options should be discussed with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
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