Gallbladder disease

I recently had my gallbaldder removed and was diagnosed with Acute Chologitis.  My gallballder wall was inflammed and an ultrasound revealed sludge/stones.  After the surgery, the surgeon told me it was infected and the gangrene process had begun.  

Prior to the removal of the gallbladder, I had complained of digestive problems, lost weight, fatigue, etc. for about 3 months.  Other "non-gallbladder" related symptoms developed (dry eyes, frequent urination) about 45 days prior to removal of gallbladder. (Ruematologist ran blood work and ruled out autoimmune diseases - Nuerologist conducted MRI and ruled out neurological problem)  

One month prior to removal of gallbladder, blood work revealed elevated ALT (85), Bilirubin (2.5), Ferritin (782) and Smooth Muscle (85), and white cells were slighlty elevated.

Tests for Hemocromotosis were negative and a liver biopsy came back normal.

Could my Gallbladder disease caused these readings to become abnormal?
If so, how long should it take for them to normalize?

Since the liver biopsy was normal, could autoimmune hepatitis be ruled out?

Could the infection have caused my body to have a systemic inflammatory response?  If so, could it have caused damage to such organs and when should such reponse normalize?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Yes, the gallbladder disease could have affected the liver function tests.  As for when they can normalize, this depends on the cause of the elevation.  The liver biopsy is the most comprehensive test, and is comforting that it returned normal.  Repeating the enzymes can be considered to ensure they aren't rising.

2) A negative liver biopsy would make autoimmune hepatitis unlikely.  Autoantibody levels can be considered if this is still suspected.

3) Sepsis or systemic inflammatory response can lead to organ damage.  The possibility or extent of this damage would depend on the severity of the disease.

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_b

[kitty279]

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