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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Tremendously high liver enzymes
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.
Tremendously high liver enzymes
by ssdie, Sep 27, 2006 12:00AM
I was recently diagnosed with "possible scleroderma" due to a positeive ANA and Anticentromere test..also have "watermelon stomach" which is supposedly a diagnostic tool for scleroderma. Within the last 6 week, my liver enzymes have been REALLY high..Alk Phos was 325 and 4 weeks late is 499/ ALT was 208 and is now 390 and AST was 71 and is now 290!! My Bili's are OK, but it has been difficult ot get any attention. My PCP tells me to call the GI(who has been out of town for 3 weeks). I have varying degrees of r abd discomfort which ranges from upper to lower quad and radiates to back. I was supposedly screened for all the hepatitis including auto-immune-all negative. I am to have an abd US on Friday which will determine if I "need" a biopsy. I am so concerned and don't have a clue what this is, but the numbers themselves are frightening..any ideas?? I'm in healthcare and feel I may know a little too much..HA!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 28, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 28, 2006 12:00AM
The ultrasound is a reasonable next step. You can also consider autoimmune hepatitis with a positive ANA as well as checking blood tests for viral hepatitis as well as a ferritin level (looking for hemochromatosis).
If the ultrasounds is negative, a liver biopsy is recommended with an ALT of 390.
Further testing can be done based on the ultrasound results. For instance, if there is evidence of dilation, an MRCP or ERCP can be considered to look at the biliary ducts.
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_
If the ultrasounds is negative, a liver biopsy is recommended with an ALT of 390.
Further testing can be done based on the ultrasound results. For instance, if there is evidence of dilation, an MRCP or ERCP can be considered to look at the biliary ducts.
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_
Member Comments
by 311Martin, Mar 29, 2008 06:57PM
A related discussion, Extremely high liver enzyme counts was started.
