elevated ALP and pregnancy

I recently had a blood panel done for insurance purposes.  I am concerned about the extremely high ALP that it showed.  The level is reported as 956!  The other liver tests were normal - bilirubin .3, AST 18, ALT 10, GGTP 9.

Other info: I am 35 and was 38 weeks pregnant at the time of the blood draw (my son was born exactly 1 week later), my cholesterol was also pretty elevated - triglycerides 227 and total cholestreol 314 (LDL - 209, HDL 60)

Anyway, now that I am not pregnant, I have scheduled an appointment with my Primary Care Physician and the blood work is going to be redone.

In the meantime, I am very nervous.  Is there anything that could cause such a high reading other than all the scary stuff I read on the internet?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Various GI disease can raise the ALP.  I would start with an ultrasound to evaluate the biliary tree.  An MRCP can be considered if a more detailed study is needed.

If negative, and with the normal liver tests this is entirely possible, an elevated ALP can be due to a variety of bone disorders.

A bone scan would be useful.  However, this should be discussed with your OB in light of your pregnancy.

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.
www.kevinmd.com