High Albumin, High Bilirubin

I am a healthy 50 year old female who doesn't smoke or drink.  I have had a recent blood test and the results have come back with an elevated albumin count (5.0) and an elevated bilirubin count (2.2).  All other liver functions where within the normal range.  The only thing I have done different this year was to take a daily dose of 70 mg of Adipex.  Could this have caused these changes and if so what can I do to help my liver?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The elevated albumin count is only mildly elevated - I would repeat this test to ensure it wasn't a lab error.  Volume depletion or dehydration can lead to high albumin levels as well.

As for the elevated bilirubin count - there are many causes.  If the other liver enzymes are normal, it is unlikely to be a serious liver disease.  I would consider a liver ultrasound to evaluate for any liver or gallbladder disease as well as periodically rechecking the liver enzymes (i.e. every 6 months for 12-18 months).

If everything is normal except the bilirubin, you may want to consider Gilbert's disease - a normally benign genetic disorder of bilirubin metabolism.  There is usually no treatment for this.  You may want to discuss the evaluation and this condition with your personal 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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[reizelle]

A related discussion, albumin was started.