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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
HIGH AST ALT
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.
HIGH AST ALT
by TTTT, Apr 25, 2003 12:00AM
IN JAN I HAD A VIRUS FOR ABOUT 2 1/2 WKS WICH GAVE ME A FEVER FOR 2 1/2 WKS. ON 2/4 THE DOCTOR DID SOME BLOOD WORK AND MY AST WERE AT 56, AND MY ALT WERE AT 98. ON 2/5 THEY WENT UP TO 66/109, ON 2/11 142/186, ON 2/18 235/470 (thats when they were at there highest) ON 2/20 THEY STARTED TO DROP TO 158/410, THEN ON 2/23 96/289, ON 3/5 68/166 AND ON 3/28 63/138. THEN JUST ON 4/24 THEY JUMPED UP AGAIN TO 72/176. WHY WHY WHY. I HAVE TESTES NEGATIVE FOR HEP. A,B,C,D, AND FOR H.I.V. I FEEL GREAT TOO. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG. COULD IT ALL BE JUST FROM THE VIRUS?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 25, 2003 12:00AM
, Apr 25, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - I guess I can answer one last question before I leave.
There are many reasons for an elevated LFT. Hepatitis is one of them. Alcohol and medications are other reasons. Check and make sure that any medication you are taking does not affect the liver. If you drink alcohol, abstain and repeat the liver function tests in a few weeks.
Another consideration is hemochromatosis. I would check your iron, ferritin and total iron binding capacity.
Fatty liver or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis can also be considered. I would recommend a liver ultrasound to further evaluate this.
A definitive diagnosis can be made with a liver biopsy - this is recommended if the enzymes are persistantly greater than twofold elevated. Discuss this option with your gastroenterologist.
A virus can possibly increase the liver enzymes, but these other disease should be evaluated before attributing it to this.
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.
There are many reasons for an elevated LFT. Hepatitis is one of them. Alcohol and medications are other reasons. Check and make sure that any medication you are taking does not affect the liver. If you drink alcohol, abstain and repeat the liver function tests in a few weeks.
Another consideration is hemochromatosis. I would check your iron, ferritin and total iron binding capacity.
Fatty liver or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis can also be considered. I would recommend a liver ultrasound to further evaluate this.
A definitive diagnosis can be made with a liver biopsy - this is recommended if the enzymes are persistantly greater than twofold elevated. Discuss this option with your gastroenterologist.
A virus can possibly increase the liver enzymes, but these other disease should be evaluated before attributing it to this.
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.
I will be away until Wednesday, April 30th - I will be happy to answer your question then.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.