Mildly Elevated Liver Number

I have bloodwork about every 6 months due to blood pressure med with diuretic (Diovan HCT 160/12.5).  In April ALT was 38, with range being 0-40.  AST was 27 with range being 0-40.  Bilirubin - Total was .7 with range being .1-1.2.  The end of Sept ALT was 46, bilirubin and AST normal.  Primary care had be retest, which I did this week.  ALT is 61 and bilirubin 1.3.  Has me following up with a GI.  I do have a cold this week.

How worried should I be?  What could be the cause?  In addition to the Diovan I was on Singulair until about 2 weeks ago.  I also take 2 300 mg St. John's Wort, 2 650 mgEPA/500 mg DHA Omega-3 Fish Oil and 1 200 mg CQ10 daily.  Could any of these be the issue?  Especially the Omega 3?

Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the approach thus far.

The liver enzymes are mildly elevated, which can be caused by a variety of conditions.  There is a possibility that the medications can elevated the enzyme levels.

I would also obtain an ultrasound as well as testing for diabetes.  Continued monitoring of the enzymes should be done to ensure they are not rising.

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 patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[hbp702]

Your bilirubin is high, which very likely means your liver is performing poorly and you are your way to jaundice, and possible liver failure. You may have drug induced hepatitis.

[jep65]

dear lynnc,i would recommend that you take milk thistle to help control the liver enzymes.also cut back on meat and salt both of which can raise blood pressure and are hard on the liver.eat more fruits and veggies.coq10 can be a good supplement but can give people the jitters.coq10 is a good antioxidant but you may opt for a lower dose.try taking melatonin at night.start off with 3mg.if you wake up groggy cut it back to adjust to your tolerance.do not take st.john's wort if you are taking warafin and digoxin and do not take it if taking mao inhibitors.

[TexasGirl1981]

I had a similar thing happen.
My AST was 53 (or something I get the AST ALT thing confused), went a month without drinking and it is now 45.  They want me to get tested for Hepatitus (hepatitis) A, B, and C and a few other things.  I am going to go get an ultrasound, too.

I did a dumb thing - after I gave blood for my re-test - I went out and drank the immediate week after.  I let my doctor know that.  I hadn't had a drop in over a month by the time I went to get the retest.

I had got tested for the Heps a year or so back, and that came back negative.  I even donated plasma last year (they wouldn't let you continue doing that if you had Hep A B or C).

I am scared a little (I am barely over 25).

Let me know how this turns out for you, as it might shed some light for me.