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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Liver enzymes elevated, damage?
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.
Liver enzymes elevated, damage?
by louisevarg, Nov 30, 2005 12:00AM
Hello! I am a 33 year old female. I just received some blood work back from my life insurance company (I was denied) that showed I have elevated liver enzymes and wanted to find out what these could possibly mean. I have Celiacs Sprue, was diagnosed last Nov (04), I also have pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency) which I give myself injections every month. I also have hypogammaglobulinemia, which I receive IVIG (IGG) every 4 weeks, 30 grams, I have had this for 14 years. Now 2 weeks after I gave my blood for this test I got appencitis and had to have my appendix taken out, the surgeon said that it was very infected so I am not sure if it had been like that for a while. A month before this test I was on Levaquin, 500mg for 20 days and actually have taken this antibiotic about 3 times this past year, they give me a high dose and strong antibiotic because of my compromised immune system.
Now, I feel fine, no symptoms at all, the occasional belly ache from time to time, but I always think that is from being accidentially glutened (celiacs disease), bowels, everything is fine. The only drugs I take are a daily multi vitamin and calcium pills.
Here are my numbers:
GGT-214
ALT-75
ALP-429
AST-89
bilirubin is fine
Anti-HBS was positive
Hep B Core Antibody- Reactive
Oh and as far as alcohol, I drink maybe 2-4 glasses a week of wine with dinner, no more than that.
Thanks!
Now, I feel fine, no symptoms at all, the occasional belly ache from time to time, but I always think that is from being accidentially glutened (celiacs disease), bowels, everything is fine. The only drugs I take are a daily multi vitamin and calcium pills.
Here are my numbers:
GGT-214
ALT-75
ALP-429
AST-89
bilirubin is fine
Anti-HBS was positive
Hep B Core Antibody- Reactive
Oh and as far as alcohol, I drink maybe 2-4 glasses a week of wine with dinner, no more than that.
Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Dec 01, 2005 12:00AM
, Dec 01, 2005 12:00AM
There can be several causes of the elevated liver enzymes - including gallbladder disease, hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis (should be considered given the elevated alkaline phosphatase).
The hepatitis antibodies suggest prior infection to hepatitis B.
Further testing can include an ultrasound to evaluate the gallbladder and liver anatomy. A more comprehensive evaluation would include a liver biopsy or an MRCP to evaluate the biliary ducts.
I would abstain from alcohol, and consider repeating the liver tests in a few 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.
kevinmd_b
The hepatitis antibodies suggest prior infection to hepatitis B.
Further testing can include an ultrasound to evaluate the gallbladder and liver anatomy. A more comprehensive evaluation would include a liver biopsy or an MRCP to evaluate the biliary ducts.
I would abstain from alcohol, and consider repeating the liver tests in a few 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.
kevinmd_b
