Iron,Iron/TIBC%Sat,ALT/AST all high, everything else normal

[ATomba]

I just received test results from a company wellness initiative (no symptoms or illness prompted these tests). ALT=61 (2-60 u/L) AST=72 (2-50 u/L) Iron 193 (40-190 ug/dl) IRON/TIBC % Saturation=64 (15-50 calculated). I fasted for 14 hours, no alcohol, no milk. 32 other tests were run, all normal or excellent except C-Reactive protien=4 (<3.0 mg/L).

I'm 35 years old and just ran a marathon 1 1/2 weeks before these tests and still had some muscle soreness (all good now).  I have 1/2 a glass of wine, with dinner, 2 to 3 nights per weeks and 1-2 beers on the weekend. I've never used drugs, have taken no medications outside of mild anit-biotics, once a year or so, and was hospitalized once in my life, 2 nights-food poisoning,11 years ago.  

What causes these to rise? Is there any correlation between ALT/AST and the Iron levels? Am I looking at Hepetitis (hepatitis) or some other kind of liver damage? What does it mean for the body to have trouble storing Iron? I can't believe this as I feel great and eat good. Here are some other test results: Albumin=4.70 (3.7-5.1 g/dl), Total Bilirubin=0.80 (0.2-1.5 mg/dl), direct Bilirubin=.20 (0.0-0.3 mg/dl), glucose=91, free T4=no amount detected (0.8-1.8 ng/dl), Creatinine=1.30 (0.5-1.4 mg/dl), BUN=15 (7-25 mg/dl), Calcium=10 (8.5-10.4 mg/dl) and Total Protien=7.70 (6.0-8.3 g/dl). I include the reference ranges because I don't know if these are correct.

The only different physical symptom I can think of is one that is chronic: I have a mild heat intolerance. I always feel 10-15 degrees warmer than anyone. Excessive sweating, facially, has always been a problem for me. I'm just throwing this out-there to eliminate any suspicion, on my part, that there is any connection to these test results.

Thanks!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hemochromatosis would be a disease that can link liver damage to iron disease.  Typically a ferritin level would be obtained, and it would be markedly elevated.

Your enzymes and liver tests are mildly elevated.  Further evaluation can be done with a liver ultrasound as well as blood tests looking for hepatitis.  If the enzymes continue to be elevated, you can consider abstaining from alcohol and repeating the liver tests after several weeks.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[Kalio1]

I would definately get tested for Hep C. I had almost identical bloodwork results as you, no possible history to indicate I could have it, but I did. I had a similar "hotter than everyone else" probem also. I was I'd test for A and B too, but I am not familiar with the symptoms of those.

[FredZ]

Yes, do see a gastroenterologist/liver spcialist and get a thorough workup.
Hemachromatosis/iron overload is hereditary and mainly in Irish, English, Welsh, etc. populations. Simple blood test for HCV exposure. More complicated to see about virus levels if positive. Hemachromatosis checkout considerably more complicated. Good Luck.