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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Hello, I would like a 2nd opinion. I have had 2 liver function blood tests. The first resulted in an alt reading of 51 - mildly elvated and the 2nd 2 months later 75. During the period between first and second tests, i carefully moderated alcohol intake and try to keep a goo diet. My doctor says come back for another test in 2 months, and not to worry, but should i be concerned at these results which are not normal and may indicate liver damage? Also I asked about wheat intolerance but was told that unless i had diarhhea regularly it was unlikely i had this. any advice please?
Tue, 9 Sep 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,
you haven't mentioned other tests like alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, aspartate transferase, liver ultrasound, hepatitis C and B testing, bilirubin.
Other important points in your medical history include the following:
- history of blood transfusion
- history of illicit drug abuse
- unprotected sexual activity with individuals suspicious for sexually transmitted diseases
- taking any kind of medication
- other symptoms (fever, weakness, etc)
- body weight and height.
Overweight individuals may have slight elevations of liver enzymes (like the ones you mentioned) because of fatty liver. Fatty liver is a condition that affects also patients with diabetes and heavy drinkers. Fatty liver can be easily detected with an ultrasound scan of the liver.
The ultrasound will also bring out other possible disorders like tumors, gallstones etc.
Almost any drug may inflict liver damage and cause elevations of liver enzymes. If you used any drug at all then this is a possible cause of your condition.
If you haven't been tested for viral hepatitis (particularly hepatitis C) then I suggest you do. Testing for autoimmune hepatitis as well would rule out that rare but important and possibly treatable cause.
I believe that these are the first things you need to do.
Repeat testing is warranted of course.
As for celiac disease: it is indeed expected to cause diarrhea but this is not always the case. It can present with subtle findings like liver enzyme abnormalities or iron deficiency. Since this is not so common, I think it would be better for you to carry on with my previous suggestions first.
I hope I've addressed your concerns. If you need further explanations on the subject, please ask again.
Kind Regards!
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What Causes Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Hello, you haven t mentioned other tests like alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, aspartate transferase, liver ultrasound, hepatitis C and B testing, bilirubin. Other important points in your medical history include the following: - history of blood transfusion - history of illicit drug abuse - unprotected sexual activity with individuals suspicious for sexually transmitted diseases - taking any kind of medication - other symptoms (fever, weakness, etc) - body weight and height. Overweight individuals may have slight elevations of liver enzymes (like the ones you mentioned) because of fatty liver. Fatty liver is a condition that affects also patients with diabetes and heavy drinkers. Fatty liver can be easily detected with an ultrasound scan of the liver. The ultrasound will also bring out other possible disorders like tumors, gallstones etc. Almost any drug may inflict liver damage and cause elevations of liver enzymes. If you used any drug at all then this is a possible cause of your condition. If you haven t been tested for viral hepatitis (particularly hepatitis C) then I suggest you do. Testing for autoimmune hepatitis as well would rule out that rare but important and possibly treatable cause. I believe that these are the first things you need to do. Repeat testing is warranted of course. As for celiac disease: it is indeed expected to cause diarrhea but this is not always the case. It can present with subtle findings like liver enzyme abnormalities or iron deficiency. Since this is not so common, I think it would be better for you to carry on with my previous suggestions first. I hope I ve addressed your concerns. If you need further explanations on the subject, please ask again. Kind Regards!