Nutrition Health Chat: Tuesday, Dec. 8th, 5-6 PM Eastern. Learn how vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients affect your health. Free live Q&A. Join us!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Elevated AST, ALT and GGT levels
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.
Elevated AST, ALT and GGT levels
by giovanna1, Apr 20, 2004 12:00AM
After full physical in february I had the following levels: AST 34, ALT 48, GGT 154. Was sent for blood work agian after one month counts went to AST 36, ALT 57, GGT 137. Hepatitis was negative. I do not drink. My cholesterol was 240 and has been in that range for a long time. I was on Effexor (for anxiety) since November. I no longer take it. The only other medication I take is a prenatal vitamin. (I had a baby in May 2003 after 2 years of Invitro Trials).
Two years ago before I started my infertility treatments I had my Gall Bladder removed. (was not giving me a problem, but did not want to take a chance of having a problem if I got pregnant). Before the whole Gall Bladder issue, when I had a full physical in 2001, my liver counts were up (I am not sure which one) but I was convinced that it was because I was taking Tylenol P.M. every night.
At my doctors recommendation she is sending me for a sonogram which I will have done in the next few weeks.
What else could cause these elevations. I do eat lots of chocolate (which she made a comment on). Otherwise, my sugar level was 89, I am 5 10 and weigh 160. Have been more on the thin side most of my life. Your comments would be appreciated.
Two years ago before I started my infertility treatments I had my Gall Bladder removed. (was not giving me a problem, but did not want to take a chance of having a problem if I got pregnant). Before the whole Gall Bladder issue, when I had a full physical in 2001, my liver counts were up (I am not sure which one) but I was convinced that it was because I was taking Tylenol P.M. every night.
At my doctors recommendation she is sending me for a sonogram which I will have done in the next few weeks.
What else could cause these elevations. I do eat lots of chocolate (which she made a comment on). Otherwise, my sugar level was 89, I am 5 10 and weigh 160. Have been more on the thin side most of my life. Your comments would be appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 21, 2004 12:00AM
, Apr 21, 2004 12:00AM
Many things can cause an elevated in the liver enzymes. You note that alcohol and hepatitis should not be causes. Anatomical abnormalities in the liver and gallbladder, as well as fatty liver, can also cause an elevation. Of course, medications like Tylenol affects the liver as well, but typically less than 4 grams of Tylenol per day is acceptable. More uncommon causes can be things like autoimmune hepatitis as well as hemochromatosis.
The appropriate next test would be a liver ultrasound - which can evaluate the liver and gallbladder anatomy. Typically a liver biopsy is not considered unless the ALT is 3 times greater than normal (i.e. more than 100).
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.
The appropriate next test would be a liver ultrasound - which can evaluate the liver and gallbladder anatomy. Typically a liver biopsy is not considered unless the ALT is 3 times greater than normal (i.e. more than 100).
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.
