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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
31 year old male with high liver enzymes
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
31 year old male with high liver enzymes
by MikeOK, Jun 01, 2004 12:00AM
Hello,
I recently went to my primary care physician and had a blood test done.
They found "high liver enzymes." I think it was ALT or AST at level 90. They sent the blood in which tested negative for Hepatitis A,B,and C. I am going back in 2 weeks for the same blood test to check the liver enzyme levels again. I am 31 yrs., 5'10" and 185 lbs.
* The morning of the test (before the bloodwork) I ran for 30 minutes and lifted heavy weights (I weightlift 4 days a week and run 3 days per week).
* I ate breakfast the morning of the blood test.
* I drink about 4 medium/large cups of coffee per day.
* 2 days before the test: I drank one large beer. I also lifted heavier than normal weights and was wiped out from this and then ran for 30 minutes.
* I was prescribed Lamisil for a skin fungus infection for 2 weeks total. And I finished the medication 2 weeks before the liver blood test.
* I also take a prescription of Omeprazole 20 mg daily.
* Daily, I also take: 1 multivitamin. 2 Curcumin pills (Turmeric root extract). 2 green tea pills. 1 selenium tablet. 1 Calcium supplement.
* I have been very stressed over the past few months at work.
* I had a CBC blood test done in June 2003 and everything was normal.
* I had an endoscopy done in January 2004 and the Dr. found nothing but some acid reflux. Hence the Omeprazole prescription.
* I was on Propecia (finasteride) for hair growth for 5 months total, but stopped taking it in January 2004.
* I eat alot of junk food, and have been for over 10 years. Because I work out 5 days a week, I am not overweight.
* I drank about 4-8 drinks of alcohol per week from ages 18-23.
*I have also been feeling a sensation (non-pain) that feels like it is in the right area of my chest, behind my ribs. It is strange, like there is food there, but it feels like it is right between my spine & my right shoulder.
Please advise me if/which of the above behaviors and medications could have caused high liver enzymes. Additionally, any other possible health scenarios.
Thank you very much, I appreciate your help.
I recently went to my primary care physician and had a blood test done.
They found "high liver enzymes." I think it was ALT or AST at level 90. They sent the blood in which tested negative for Hepatitis A,B,and C. I am going back in 2 weeks for the same blood test to check the liver enzyme levels again. I am 31 yrs., 5'10" and 185 lbs.
* The morning of the test (before the bloodwork) I ran for 30 minutes and lifted heavy weights (I weightlift 4 days a week and run 3 days per week).
* I ate breakfast the morning of the blood test.
* I drink about 4 medium/large cups of coffee per day.
* 2 days before the test: I drank one large beer. I also lifted heavier than normal weights and was wiped out from this and then ran for 30 minutes.
* I was prescribed Lamisil for a skin fungus infection for 2 weeks total. And I finished the medication 2 weeks before the liver blood test.
* I also take a prescription of Omeprazole 20 mg daily.
* Daily, I also take: 1 multivitamin. 2 Curcumin pills (Turmeric root extract). 2 green tea pills. 1 selenium tablet. 1 Calcium supplement.
* I have been very stressed over the past few months at work.
* I had a CBC blood test done in June 2003 and everything was normal.
* I had an endoscopy done in January 2004 and the Dr. found nothing but some acid reflux. Hence the Omeprazole prescription.
* I was on Propecia (finasteride) for hair growth for 5 months total, but stopped taking it in January 2004.
* I eat alot of junk food, and have been for over 10 years. Because I work out 5 days a week, I am not overweight.
* I drank about 4-8 drinks of alcohol per week from ages 18-23.
*I have also been feeling a sensation (non-pain) that feels like it is in the right area of my chest, behind my ribs. It is strange, like there is food there, but it feels like it is right between my spine & my right shoulder.
Please advise me if/which of the above behaviors and medications could have caused high liver enzymes. Additionally, any other possible health scenarios.
Thank you very much, I appreciate your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 02, 2004 12:00AM
, Jun 02, 2004 12:00AM
Lamasil and the chronic alcohol use would be possibilities - even though the lamasil was completed prior to the test. Depending on what your triglyceride levels are, this can lead to fatty liver which can increase the liver enzymes.
I would indeed consider repeating the liver enzymes off alcohol as well as the Lamasil. If they are still elevated, the next step would be an abdominal ultrasound to determine if there are any anatomical abnormalities, biliary diseaseas well as fatty liver.
If the tests continue to be non-revealing a liver biopsy can be considered.
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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
I would indeed consider repeating the liver enzymes off alcohol as well as the Lamasil. If they are still elevated, the next step would be an abdominal ultrasound to determine if there are any anatomical abnormalities, biliary diseaseas well as fatty liver.
If the tests continue to be non-revealing a liver biopsy can be considered.
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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
