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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Elevated GGT and Bilirubin
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 GGT and Bilirubin
by Philip1815, Nov 08, 2000 12:00AM
Recently, I applied for additional life insurance and was required to take a physical including blood work.
Two results came back high. My GGT was 259 and my total Bilirubin was 1.7. My last results - 3 months ago were 171 and 2.2 respectively.
In the past, my concern was that my cholesterol was high - between 215 and 255 with a ratio of about 5.5 to 6.5. I have improved my diet and excercise routine and the recent results were 233 for total cholesterol and a ratio of 4.5 (233/52). My triglycerides were down to 139 from 256.
I excercised for about 30 minutes just prior to the recent blood test, and rather than not eat for the requested 4 hours I did not eat for 12 hours. I wonder if this had any impact.
Other pertinent results:
AST - 25
ALT - 39
Albumin - 4.2
Globulin - 3.2
My questions are: how can I get my GGT and Bilirubin counts down and should I be worried about the results? Thanks for your consideration.
Two results came back high. My GGT was 259 and my total Bilirubin was 1.7. My last results - 3 months ago were 171 and 2.2 respectively.
In the past, my concern was that my cholesterol was high - between 215 and 255 with a ratio of about 5.5 to 6.5. I have improved my diet and excercise routine and the recent results were 233 for total cholesterol and a ratio of 4.5 (233/52). My triglycerides were down to 139 from 256.
I excercised for about 30 minutes just prior to the recent blood test, and rather than not eat for the requested 4 hours I did not eat for 12 hours. I wonder if this had any impact.
Other pertinent results:
AST - 25
ALT - 39
Albumin - 4.2
Globulin - 3.2
My questions are: how can I get my GGT and Bilirubin counts down and should I be worried about the results? Thanks for your consideration.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHSM.D.-rf, Nov 12, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Jack,
Asymptomatic elevations of liver tests are a frequent cause for consultation to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist. There are many possible causes. Fatty liver, alcohol related liver disease, problems with the bile ducts are among the common cuses for these elevations. Although we usually do nt find a serious cause for this elevation, it is necessary to do some tests including an ultrasound of the liver and bile ducts. Sometimes, a liver biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I suggest that you talk with your doctor about seeing a gastroenterologist.
The elevated bilirubin is an interesting finding. Among the possible causes for this finding is Gilbert's disease a condition in which there is elevated bilirubin in the absence of structural liver disease. Gilbert's disease is related to a shortened red cell survival and an inability of the liver cells to efficiently take up bilirubin. This condition does not have any serios sequela.
This information is presented for educational purposes only. Ask specific questions to your personal physician.
Asymptomatic elevations of liver tests are a frequent cause for consultation to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist. There are many possible causes. Fatty liver, alcohol related liver disease, problems with the bile ducts are among the common cuses for these elevations. Although we usually do nt find a serious cause for this elevation, it is necessary to do some tests including an ultrasound of the liver and bile ducts. Sometimes, a liver biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I suggest that you talk with your doctor about seeing a gastroenterologist.
The elevated bilirubin is an interesting finding. Among the possible causes for this finding is Gilbert's disease a condition in which there is elevated bilirubin in the absence of structural liver disease. Gilbert's disease is related to a shortened red cell survival and an inability of the liver cells to efficiently take up bilirubin. This condition does not have any serios sequela.
This information is presented for educational purposes only. Ask specific questions to your personal physician.
