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What Causes Elevated Biliruben Levels?
Question: hi, I am 46 year old male -ultrasound normal....not even a fatty liver
-all liver test normal except for below
-biliruben slightly elevated
-ALP really elevated (up in 600 to 700 range).......scary....this was the same test Alkaline Phosphatase that was elevated in initial bloodwork
My doctor is sending me for a CT scan and also additional bloodwork. She says something is not right, but at this time cannot definitively say what it is.
I have no symptoms, I am a physical therapist and very active. I drink about 8 cups of coffee a day. trying to cut back
-all liver test normal except for below
-biliruben slightly elevated
-ALP really elevated (up in 600 to 700 range).......scary....this was the same test Alkaline Phosphatase that was elevated in initial bloodwork
My doctor is sending me for a CT scan and also additional bloodwork. She says something is not right, but at this time cannot definitively say what it is.
I have no symptoms, I am a physical therapist and very active. I drink about 8 cups of coffee a day. trying to cut back
Brief Answer:
Investigate the bile ducts and bones!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this abnormal test and all the disturbing thoughts that this has caused you.
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme of the liver, bile ducts and bones. With the liver seemingly okay on testing, the bile duct and bones would be evaluated systematically to look for answers as to why this is elevated. I believe the CT scan would be able to further evaluate the bile ducts and tell whether there is a problem that was not identified.
Coffee is not a documented cause of increased ALP. However, I do encourage you to cut down on the quantity and let's see if this is going to have any impact on the levels. If it does, it could be the case with you but medical literature has not clearly documented this association.
In all, only further testing can tell what the exact cause of this is. If possible, let your doctors ask the laboratory to identify what ALP subtype is responsible for the increase to help further orient investigations. I also support that you cut down on the coffee consumption.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Investigate the bile ducts and bones!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this abnormal test and all the disturbing thoughts that this has caused you.
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme of the liver, bile ducts and bones. With the liver seemingly okay on testing, the bile duct and bones would be evaluated systematically to look for answers as to why this is elevated. I believe the CT scan would be able to further evaluate the bile ducts and tell whether there is a problem that was not identified.
Coffee is not a documented cause of increased ALP. However, I do encourage you to cut down on the quantity and let's see if this is going to have any impact on the levels. If it does, it could be the case with you but medical literature has not clearly documented this association.
In all, only further testing can tell what the exact cause of this is. If possible, let your doctors ask the laboratory to identify what ALP subtype is responsible for the increase to help further orient investigations. I also support that you cut down on the coffee consumption.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I was told coffee could be a factor as it is hard for the liver to filter and breakdown. but I am worried about bone cancer or liver, it is hard to get through this without having all these ideas running through my brain. I do not have any symptoms, feel great and very active.
Brief Answer:
See below!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and do not get worried just now.
Follow up with the planned investigations and should any abnormality be detected, It would be investigated and managed accordingly. Worries have never been the solution to any problem. I will suggest that you try an keep a cool head though I understand how difficult this can be.
Being active with no symptoms is a very positive sign and you should stick to this and not other conflicting and no reassuring laboratory information.
I hope this helps, I wish you well.
See below!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and do not get worried just now.
Follow up with the planned investigations and should any abnormality be detected, It would be investigated and managed accordingly. Worries have never been the solution to any problem. I will suggest that you try an keep a cool head though I understand how difficult this can be.
Being active with no symptoms is a very positive sign and you should stick to this and not other conflicting and no reassuring laboratory information.
I hope this helps, I wish you well.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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