HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

I Have Always Had Normal SGPT Levels. I Have Liver

default
Posted on Mon, 24 Feb 2020
Question: I have always had normal SGPT levels. I have liver function tests every 3 months per my request because I like to keep my eye on my cholesterol levels, which are presently good. I was prescribed Ativan 3mg per day for anxiety on January 13. On January 19 I had a SGPT of 66 and SGOT of 38. Retested on February 7 and SGPT is now 77 and SGOT is 44. TP, ALB, A/G, TBIL, DBIL, ALK PHOS are all in normal limits. I am overweight but now maintaining healthy diet and using treadmill 30 minutes per day. I have type two diabetes but controlled with metformin with an A1C of 6. I am terrified I could have liver cancer. No unexplained weight loss, no nausea or vomiting, no jaundice or abdominal pain. My doctor did a hepatitis panel today, no results yet and has ordered a ultra sound of liver. I have read that ATIVAN CAN increase liver enzymes. Your thoughts are kindly appreciated.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is not significantly increased.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.

Our liver enzymes( SGPT and SGOT) are mildly elevated but not significant.

Mild elevations are generally considered to be 3-4 times higher than the normal range and thus in your case, it is not significant at all.

If you have any significant liver disease the values will be above 500.
Ativan on long term use can cause inflammatory changes in the liver and a slight increase in liver enzymes.

Moreover, it is not a marker of liver cancer. If you are worried about liver cancer, you can go for a CECT abdomen to look for any mass or nodule in the liver. A blood test called AFP( alpha fetal protein) can be done which is a marker for liver cancer.

Regards




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (12 minutes later)
Thank you kindly for your response. Could you please tell me your thoughts on why my values are slowly creeping up? Two months ago my SGPT was 32 and SGOT was 16. There must be a reason why they have increased? Thank you and I look forward hearing back.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is slightly increased and does not indicates any disease condition.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As I said long term use of Ativan( lorazepam) can chase slight increase in liver enzymes.
However it will not cause fulminant liver damage or liver failure.
In your case the enzymes are only mildly raised and does not indicates any disease condition.
You can repeat the test after few weeks to assess progress.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thanks
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shinas Hussain

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 23672 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
I Have Always Had Normal SGPT Levels. I Have Liver

Brief Answer: It is not significantly increased. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for the query. Our liver enzymes( SGPT and SGOT) are mildly elevated but not significant. Mild elevations are generally considered to be 3-4 times higher than the normal range and thus in your case, it is not significant at all. If you have any significant liver disease the values will be above 500. Ativan on long term use can cause inflammatory changes in the liver and a slight increase in liver enzymes. Moreover, it is not a marker of liver cancer. If you are worried about liver cancer, you can go for a CECT abdomen to look for any mass or nodule in the liver. A blood test called AFP( alpha fetal protein) can be done which is a marker for liver cancer. Regards