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What Causes Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Question: Hi: My adult son (34) liver blood test came in high. AST 81, ALT 123. We have been giving him Cinnamon, vitamin B1. He is on Lamictal, Levothroid. We tried Milk Thistle but it has not helped. Any suggestions ? Thanks. XXXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Find out what is causing the liver abnormalities
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. There are many reasons why liver tests may be elevated. You need to know the reason for the abnormalities so you can start on the correct treatment. Medicines can sometimes cause abnormalities in the tests, so it could be the Lamictal or something else. He might have chronic hepatitis or some other abnormality in the liver or gallbladder.
There could be gallbladder stones or something causing a blockage to the gallbladder. Also problems with the muscles can raise levels of ALT and AST as these enzymes are present in many organs of the body.
One major concern if he is asymptomatic otherwise is he could have chronic hepatitis B or C. These infections can cause persistent inflammation in the liver that eventually leads to cirrhosis and liver failure. The only sign would be mild elevations of the liver tests. Hepatitis B and C can be easily tested for, and can be treated. It's very important to know if one of these is present so that specific appropriate therapy can be given to cure it.
It would be wise for him to follow up with his doctor and get further assessment of these abnormalities. The doctor can do an examination that might suggest where the problem lies, and do further testing to confirm the diagnosis. Then specific therapy can be instituted. What you are trying now is nonspecific and will not help if the problem is chronic hepatitis or a nonliver problem.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Find out what is causing the liver abnormalities
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. There are many reasons why liver tests may be elevated. You need to know the reason for the abnormalities so you can start on the correct treatment. Medicines can sometimes cause abnormalities in the tests, so it could be the Lamictal or something else. He might have chronic hepatitis or some other abnormality in the liver or gallbladder.
There could be gallbladder stones or something causing a blockage to the gallbladder. Also problems with the muscles can raise levels of ALT and AST as these enzymes are present in many organs of the body.
One major concern if he is asymptomatic otherwise is he could have chronic hepatitis B or C. These infections can cause persistent inflammation in the liver that eventually leads to cirrhosis and liver failure. The only sign would be mild elevations of the liver tests. Hepatitis B and C can be easily tested for, and can be treated. It's very important to know if one of these is present so that specific appropriate therapy can be given to cure it.
It would be wise for him to follow up with his doctor and get further assessment of these abnormalities. The doctor can do an examination that might suggest where the problem lies, and do further testing to confirm the diagnosis. Then specific therapy can be instituted. What you are trying now is nonspecific and will not help if the problem is chronic hepatitis or a nonliver problem.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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