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Abdominal Discomfort. Liver Test Abnormal. History Of Heart Bypass, Gall Bladder Removal And ERCP. Causes For Abnormal Levels?

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Posted on Mon, 1 Oct 2012
Question: I am 71 , 5'6", weight of 150. Had heart by-pass 11 years ago, Gall Bladder out 1.5 years and an ERCP at that time. Drink ~ 5 beers a week, do not smoke. Exercise regularly, feel resonably good.
I have some discomfort in abdomen sometimes after eating.
The levels for the following: 8 months ago were normal, now
AST=72, ALT=181, HGB=19.0 and HCT=53.3
Next week my doctor has ordered a phlebotomy, blood work for chemistry= Ferritin and Iron. Also an ultrasound of abdomen.
What say you about these abnormal levels?
Thank you very much,

XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (4 hours later)
Hi and thanks for the query
The liver enzymes are elevated and suggest a liver inflammation - Hepatitis. However a complete liver function test results are required to make a complete impression.
The HGB levels are higher than normal and in the absence of provocative factors (smoking, high altitude, hemoglobinopathies, lung diseases) it suggests a Polycythemia. However in Polycythemia HCT is usually more than 55 (53.3 in your case) and hence this requires further evaluation.
There are a number of causes for hepatitis like- HBV and HCV viruses, alcohol, liver congestion, excess iron or copper, auto immune disorders and excess fat deposition in the liver. The choice of tests depends on the clinical history and a good phyical examination.
Hence discuss with your doctor and plan further tests
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 339 Questions

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Abdominal Discomfort. Liver Test Abnormal. History Of Heart Bypass, Gall Bladder Removal And ERCP. Causes For Abnormal Levels?

Hi and thanks for the query
The liver enzymes are elevated and suggest a liver inflammation - Hepatitis. However a complete liver function test results are required to make a complete impression.
The HGB levels are higher than normal and in the absence of provocative factors (smoking, high altitude, hemoglobinopathies, lung diseases) it suggests a Polycythemia. However in Polycythemia HCT is usually more than 55 (53.3 in your case) and hence this requires further evaluation.
There are a number of causes for hepatitis like- HBV and HCV viruses, alcohol, liver congestion, excess iron or copper, auto immune disorders and excess fat deposition in the liver. The choice of tests depends on the clinical history and a good phyical examination.
Hence discuss with your doctor and plan further tests
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX