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Is Mild Derangement Of Liver Enzyme Values At The Age Of 36 A Sign Of Liver Cirrhosis?
Question: Ive been drinking moderate to heavy for about 4- 5 years, 3 (2 ounce) glasses of bourbon at night and during the day. prior to that a glass of wine or two at best for 6 years. I began experiencing dry heaving and slight lower right below rib cage abdominal pain/discomfort about 2 months ago. made a decision to stop drinking a week ago and get back into check. Had a full physical a couple days ago with liver enzyme ast-29 and alt - 59 (doc said anything over 52 is high), but not further test wait 3 months and more blood. Is this likely cirrhosis or a large wake up call and easily corrected with abstinence. all other lab work was great (except cholesterol) I'm a 36 year old male and very ashamed of myself right now, and scared
Brief Answer:
Could be easily corrected.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir and thanks for asking the query,
Firstly, liver enzymes should be raised three times the normal value to have any clinical significance.So clinically your liver enzymes have no significance and mild derangement is because of regular alcohol intake.
As per me go for an Ultrasound of the liver.
If it is normal there is no need to worry.
Keep taking milk of thistle for 1 month.
No alcohol strictly.
Follow a low-fat diet regime.
Add lean proteins and complex carbohydrates to your diet.
You should be fine in 6-8 weeks.
Please follow up with the reports of USG.
Thanks and Regards.
Could be easily corrected.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir and thanks for asking the query,
Firstly, liver enzymes should be raised three times the normal value to have any clinical significance.So clinically your liver enzymes have no significance and mild derangement is because of regular alcohol intake.
As per me go for an Ultrasound of the liver.
If it is normal there is no need to worry.
Keep taking milk of thistle for 1 month.
No alcohol strictly.
Follow a low-fat diet regime.
Add lean proteins and complex carbohydrates to your diet.
You should be fine in 6-8 weeks.
Please follow up with the reports of USG.
Thanks and Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thanks for your response, my local dr isn't wanting to do any additional studies for 3 months. I'm still concerned so to clarify if it were severe (example beginning stages of cirrhosis) the enzymes would be higher correct?
Brief Answer:
follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again sir,
There are basically three stages of liver diseases which starts from normal liver to mild fatty liver to moderate fatty liver to cirrhosis of liver.
Mild elevation of liver enzymes(yours is mild) is seen in mild fatty acid deposition or mild fatty liver disease.
So cirrhosis develops over years if fatty liver is not taken care of properly for example you keep binging for 5 years even after being diagnosed as having fatty liver then cirrhosis would develop.
Hope i clarified your doubt.
Feel free to follow up.
follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again sir,
There are basically three stages of liver diseases which starts from normal liver to mild fatty liver to moderate fatty liver to cirrhosis of liver.
Mild elevation of liver enzymes(yours is mild) is seen in mild fatty acid deposition or mild fatty liver disease.
So cirrhosis develops over years if fatty liver is not taken care of properly for example you keep binging for 5 years even after being diagnosed as having fatty liver then cirrhosis would develop.
Hope i clarified your doubt.
Feel free to follow up.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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