These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Liver Enzymes
Question: I have a liver enzyme level of “106” and “58”…My doctor says that these levels are slightly high. Does this mean that I have Hepatitus B? I had the blood test since I have had hives for the past 6 months.
Answer: An elevation of liver enzymes is a frequent problem seen on screening bloodtests. In the absence of symptoms of jaundice, fatigue, fevers, this is usually not infectious hepatitis. There are numerous causes for elevated enzymes – particularly if they are only slightly elevated. Once the enzymes are three to four times normal, pathologic causes increase in frequency. I see this problem about three to four times a month in my patients – usually after detection in an insurance physical or while giving blood at the Red Cross. Usually, they resolve after three or four months with no sequelae. I suspect that your hives may be related and that they will return to normal. Blood tests are availible for Hepatitis A, B, C and D. However, I would not pursue this unless they persist in elevation.
Liver Elevated AST, ALT
Question: I’ve had problems with a stiff neck for 2 years now. My doctor prescribed Ibuprofen and Flexeril which was switched to Norflex, all are taken as needed. I am 39, just had a physical and one of the tests showed ALT = 71,( he said normal is 5-40) and AST = 52, with normal being up to 35.
He’s instructed me to stop alcohol and ibuprofen unless
it’s necessary. In 3 months, I’m to be retested. What are AST and ALT? Would anything else have contributed to the higher numbers? For instance, Caffeine or Aspertaime. How serious is something like this?
Answer: AST and ALT are enzymes produced by the liver in its function. An elevation of liver enzymes is a frequent problem seen on screening blood tests. The liver is exceptionally sensitive and minor elevations such as these are commonly seen. There are numerous causes for elevated enzymes – particularly if they are only slightly elevated. Once the enzymes are three to four times normal, pathologic causes increase in frequency. I see this problem three to four times a month in my patients – usually after detection in an insurance physical or while giving blood at the Red Cross. Usually, they resolve after three to four months with no sequelae. I wouldn’t be concerned at this point unless they don’t improve or if any symptoms arise.
Elevated Enzymes
Question:On a recent Dr’s visit, they did some blood work on me. The nurse called yesterday and the one thing that concerned me was, she asked if I drank which I don’t, or if I am on any medication which I’m not, because my liver enzymes are elevated. What does this mean? I don’t know very much about my liver. They told me to not take any medications, or vitamins for two weeks then they are going to run the test again. Is there anything I can do to promote liver health?
Answer: “Liver enzymes” usually refer to about four or five tests on a “panel” which is directed towards different liver functions. One’s liver is extremely sensitive to different environmental factors. Different infections, toxins, medications, and a host of other causes can cause elevation of liver enzymes. In my practice, I see about 5-10% of patients with elevated liver enzymes and absolutely no symptoms related to any liver dysfunction. Most of the time rechecking several weeks later will find normal enzymes. This usually indicates that a virus or some transient factor has inflammed the liver and no further evaluation is necessary. Also, the lab tests define “normal” in order to encompass 95% of patients. This means that 5% will always be “abnormal”, however, there may be absolutely nothing wrong with their livers.
