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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Question about test results
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
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.

Question about test results

by jr978, Feb 28, 2007 12:00AM
Could you please tell me what you think is going on?

Test results and dates;
ALT 58, ALk Phos and AST (normal high) 1/06
Roughly same results 6 months and 1 year later.

Liver ultrasound ok.  

Hepatitis viral test done 3 times over 1 year period (negative) including hepatitis C.

Iron test ok initially, but last ones 1 month ago..TIBC 225 transferrin 178, iron 71, % sat 32, ferritin 178.

ANA positive 1/320 speckled pattern (referred to rheumatologist, said negative for lupus)

Albumin ok (only once tested at the begining)

Had a buldging engorged vein in my mouth inner cheek, md said it will go away and it was ok.

Have recently, indentions in both my thumb fingernail (valley)

Have frequent dyspepsia.

Had intense itching about 7 years ago for 6months.  Dermatologist gave me allegra went away in 1 day.

Have prostatitis (ok)

Both siblings (brothers) have elevated LFT's but neither pursed investigatin them.

Other info; muscle aches/pain/tension (severe at one point but not so much anymore).  Burning sensation on lower back.  Take wellburtrin and propranolol (anxiety).

Is this iron deficiency anemia?  Autoimmune hepatitis?  What do you think?

Also if AH would my LFT's be very high?  In AH isn't your body constantly attacking your liver?

Any info would be appreciated.


by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 01, 2007 12:00AM
You have had a pretty comprehensive evaluation for your symptoms.

Liver diseases to consider would be autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis or sclerosing cholangitis.  

Further blood tests, such as anti-smooth muscle antibodies and anti-mitochondrial antibodies can help rule out these possibilities.

An ERCP can rule out sclerosing cholangitis.  

Serial liver enzyme tests can be done to ensure that the levels aren't rising.  A liver biopsy can be considered if the enzymes continue to rise.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a liver specialist.

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 (2)

by jr978, Feb 28, 2007 12:00AM
To: md
Forgot to add, that I do not drink alcohol, or take APAP, one time I believe I had a clay colored stool but never again.  Also my urine is usually concentrated since I don't drink a lot of fluid.

by jr978, Feb 28, 2007 12:00AM
To: again forgot to add
I forgot another test.

AMA negative
Anti-DNA negative
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