Question: I have elevated Bilurubin numbers (3.4) and elevated AST numbers. I take Humira and azathioprine for Crohn's disease. The numbers have been elevated for the last two years but significantly so in the last 6 months. I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease 1 year ago. Is there a connection between Humira and elevated liver enzymes/fatty liver disease?

Hi Dr. R.K.,

I was diagnosed with fatty liver last year but primary sclerosing colangitis was ruled out. I also do not have autoimmune hepatitis. Would removing myself from Humira positively impact my liver numbers, or would concerns over the potential end of my remission from Crohns disease outweigh the potential damage to my liver that is occurring at the present time?

Here is my current data:
Fasting Status     15.0      Range           
Sodium     138      135 - 145 mmol/L          
Potassium     4.0      3.4 - 5.1 mmol/L          
Chloride     104      98 - 107 mmol/L          
Co2     25      21 - 32 mmol/L          
Anion Gap     13      10 - 20 mmol/L          
Glucose     93      65 - 99 mg/dL          
Bun     13      10 - 20 mg/dL          
Creatinine     1.03      0.50 - 1.30 mg/dL          
Gfr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX >60     >59 - >59          Units = mL/min/1.73m2
Gfr, Estimate     >60     >59 - >59          Units = mL/min/1.73m2
Bun/creatinine Ratio     13     7 - 25          
Calcium     8.8      8.4 - 10.2 mg/dL          
Total Bilirubin     3.4     0.2 - 1.0 mg/dL     H     
Ast/sgot     50      <38 Units/L - <38 Units/L     H     
Alt/sgpt     104      <79 Units/L - <79 Units/L     H     
Alk Phosphatase     144     45 - 117 Units/L     H     
Total Protein     7.3     6.4 - 8.2 g/dL          
Albumin     4.0      3.4 - 5.0 g/dL          
Globulin     3.3      2.0 - 4.0 g/dL          
A/g Ratio, Serum     1.2     1.0 - 2.4

I had just injected myself with Humira the day before as a side note