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Does Methamphetamine Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes And Liver Dysfunction?
Question: Male meth user for over 12 yrs was told that his liver enzymes are elevated. Is that a sign of liver failure
Brief Answer:
Liver failure in meth use is detailed below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Using meth for a long time might alter the liver enzymes and cause toxicity symptoms. If he stops using meth then there is a possibility of liver enzymes returning to normal if it is in mild stages of liver dysfunction.
2. It is important to know the exact liver enzyme levels to confirm whether there is liver failure or not. If there are symptoms like jaundice, high liver enzymes and bilirubin and altered liver appearance and blood flow in ultrasound then mild liver damage might have occurred.
3. Intake of meth might cause irreversible damage to the liver in patients using it for a long time. Signs of advanced liver failure includes fluid collection in abdomen, jaundice, coarse liver with development of cirrhosis.
It is recommended to do a detailed assessment of liver function and treat as required. Please avoid substances like meth and alcohol which might cause stress on liver.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Liver failure in meth use is detailed below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Using meth for a long time might alter the liver enzymes and cause toxicity symptoms. If he stops using meth then there is a possibility of liver enzymes returning to normal if it is in mild stages of liver dysfunction.
2. It is important to know the exact liver enzyme levels to confirm whether there is liver failure or not. If there are symptoms like jaundice, high liver enzymes and bilirubin and altered liver appearance and blood flow in ultrasound then mild liver damage might have occurred.
3. Intake of meth might cause irreversible damage to the liver in patients using it for a long time. Signs of advanced liver failure includes fluid collection in abdomen, jaundice, coarse liver with development of cirrhosis.
It is recommended to do a detailed assessment of liver function and treat as required. Please avoid substances like meth and alcohol which might cause stress on liver.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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