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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
f/u question autoimmune vs. NASH vs. ?
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.
f/u question autoimmune vs. NASH vs. ?
by catnyc, Feb 02, 2005 12:00AM
I've written before and you provided useful information. I am a 31 year old female, 30 lbs. overweight- mostly located in my hips.I went to the doctor originally because I was feeling fatigue and my joints were twitching.
I have had 3 bloodworks done, the results were respectively:
AST 75, 50, 79
ALT 59, 45, 90
GGT 181, 121, 139
The last time my phosphorous level was abnormal at 5.8
My cholesterol was excellent with total at 158 or below with HDL level between 66-70
They've ruled out alcohol other drugs.
Although overweight- I do not eat fatty foods and I don't eat meats/fish other than chicken- I basically live on chicken, pasta, tofu, potatoes, veggies. Snack foods are pretzels and anything low fat.
My sister has ulcerative colitis and there is a string of people in my family who have RA and Hypothyroidism.
My doctor has decided to wait for 4 months to retest LFT's (again). Which I understand but am not thrilled about (it's hard waiting, knowing their might be something wrong).
He said there is no possibility of autoimmune hepatitis, but I disagree. I am fearful that he has ruled that out, and I wanted to know what your thoughts were on this. These were the only tests done (thyroid tests were normal), and my liver by touch was "normal."
Thank you for any direction you can give.
I have had 3 bloodworks done, the results were respectively:
AST 75, 50, 79
ALT 59, 45, 90
GGT 181, 121, 139
The last time my phosphorous level was abnormal at 5.8
My cholesterol was excellent with total at 158 or below with HDL level between 66-70
They've ruled out alcohol other drugs.
Although overweight- I do not eat fatty foods and I don't eat meats/fish other than chicken- I basically live on chicken, pasta, tofu, potatoes, veggies. Snack foods are pretzels and anything low fat.
My sister has ulcerative colitis and there is a string of people in my family who have RA and Hypothyroidism.
My doctor has decided to wait for 4 months to retest LFT's (again). Which I understand but am not thrilled about (it's hard waiting, knowing their might be something wrong).
He said there is no possibility of autoimmune hepatitis, but I disagree. I am fearful that he has ruled that out, and I wanted to know what your thoughts were on this. These were the only tests done (thyroid tests were normal), and my liver by touch was "normal."
Thank you for any direction you can give.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 04, 2005 12:00AM
, Feb 04, 2005 12:00AM
Tough to give definite information without examination. If there is suspicion of autoimmune hepatitis, you can try obtaining autoimmune antibodies - including ANA, anti-smooth muscle, and antiactin antibodies. These can be available via a blood test.
However, for a more definitive diagnosis, a liver biopsy would have to be considered.
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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
However, for a more definitive diagnosis, a liver biopsy would have to be considered.
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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
