What Causes Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Posted on Mon, 20 Oct 2014

Question: Ast 52

Alanine transfernase 64

Abnormal liver function slightly raised enzimes.

Is this a concern.

I am diabetic type 2 on metformin slow release. Also overweight.

Bloods were done 7 days ago.

Converned about this.

I also a anxious patient. Pls reassure me?

Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
further testing needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi, the liver enzymes are indeed slightly elevated. These numbers of the AST/ALT are not an emergency, however they do require follow up and a few other testing (if not done before). The most likely problem is that you probably have fatty liver (which is very common in diabetics and overweight patients). This can be confirmed almost always with an ultrasound or CT scan of the liver.
Your doctor can review your list of medications to make sure none of them is harming your liver.
You should also be checked for viral hepatitis, and other tests to make sure nothing else is going on with your liver. A liver biopsy is not necessary at this time, and would only be considered if the liver tests continue to go up with time without an obvious reason.
So my advice is to follow up with a liver specialist, however keep in mind that this is likely fatty liver disease. The treatment for this is to lose weight and keep your diabetes under good control.
I hope that helps

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

Follow up: Dr. Enrique Molina (3 minutes later)

So i am 35 years of age. I was taking simvistatin 40mg but then stopped around 5 days before blood test due to the side affects.

I was taking them for 7 days proir.

Could it be cancer or something in your expert opinion?

Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not cancer

Detailed Answer:
there is no reason to think you have cancer based on those liver tests. A liver ultrasound would help to see if you indeed have fatty liver and make sure no mass or tumor is present.
simvastatin can cause elevation of liver tests, therefore rechecking liver tests after being off the medication for a few more weeks would be advised. if liver tests remain elevated despite being off the medication, then simvastatin is unlikely to be the culprit

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

Follow up: Dr. Enrique Molina (2 minutes later)

Thanks for your reassurnace on this matter. I was just converned about the cancer.

Indint drink or snoke so i guess its less likely?

Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
correct

Detailed Answer:
yes if you don't smoke or drink, it is much less likely to be cancer or anything concerning.
let me know if you have further concerns in the future.

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