What causes elevated liver enzymes and positive ANA test?

Posted on Fri, 21 Aug 2015

Question: I had blood drawn the morning after going to a concert and drinking a little bit. I RARELY drink so I am embarrassed to even have to ask but, my liver enzymes were elevated (expected due to the drinking) but my ANA test was positive. This has nothing to do with the alcohol correct? I had initially gone into the dr because of worry over joint pain and extreme fatigue and she immediately ordered a panel of blood tests. I am now referred to a rheumatologist, I am excited to finally be maybe getting some answers I just want to be reassured that the alcohol had nothing to due with the anti nuclear antibodies being in my system.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Increased liver enzymes are not always due to alcohol intake.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Increased liver enzymes are not always due to alcohol intake.It may be due to many reasons like hepatitis,alcohol intake,altered lipid profile,medicines,auto immune causes etc.
Positive ANA may indicate autoimmune cause in your case.

You may need clinical evaluation and few more investigations like routine hemogram,random blood sugar,lipid profile,viral markers,urine RE/ME,ultrasound of abdomen.

I suggest tablet ursodeoxycholic acid 300 mg twice daily for three months to my patients.It helps in regeneration of liver cells.

Further requirement of medicines depend upon findings.

Alcohol is not related to anti nuclear antibodies(ANA).

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar