Pregnant and Worried about AUtoimmune Hep

[ALybella]

I worry about autoimmune hep.  I'm 30, perfect lab work including, CDC, SMAC 21, LFT, direct, inderect total bill all normal, globulin 3.5, I think that's ok right???.  SLighlty low amalyse, but doctor says it's fine.  I asked him about autoimmune hep and he started laughing.  My questions is, if I had autoimmune hep, would my liver panels be elevated, or could they be normal?  I have had about 5 different panels in  the last yeat, all come out normal.  My DOctor said he ordered a complete set, including all liver panels that exist, again all came back, perfect, in the middle, completely perfect.

WOuld this rule out auto hep?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Autoimmune hepatitis can lead to an elevated of liver enzymes.  Given the fact that they are normal makes this possibility less likely.  

If there is still concern about this disease, blood tests looking for antinuclear and anti-smooth antibodies can be considered.

This 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_

[Kalio1]

Why would you even think of AIH? Did you have it previously or is this just a fear you have? Yes, your liver enzymes would indicate it as well as other factors, having symptoms for instance.

[ALybella]

Most likely a fear, sometimes, after a large meal, I feel as if my left side, somewhat lower than my liver is inflammed, no real pain.  SOmetimes sore also.  I can relate this back to years ago

For years I have had normal LFT.  Would the LFT be highly elevated.  I read that AUto Hep. shows with very highly elevated enzymes

Please help

[ALybella]

Also, I had a physical examination, where they said non of my organs including, pancreas, spleen, or liver were enlarged

[Kalio1]

Well, first of all if you are having pain in your left side I don't see why you are worried about a liver problem since your liver is in the upper right area of your body. Liver pain is on the RIGHT side.
I think it is a completely unfounded fear to worry about having AIH when you have norma enzymes and nothing at all to indicate you could have auto immune hepatitis.
Unfounded anxiety and unrealistic fears can be part of an anxiety problem or depression. I'd talk to your doctor about it, there are treatments for anxiety disorders and depression available.

[ALybella]

Sorry I meant rigt side

Thank you for your respones

[ALybella]

My labs are as follows
Protein: 7.3
ALbumin 3.7
GLobulin 3.6
ALT 15
AST 20
Ratio 1.3
Alk Phos 45