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What Causes Sudden Elevation Of Liver Enzymes?
Question: I am currently being tested (liver studies - bloodwork) because of elevated liver enzymes. I will meet with
my MD on tomorrow for results. I am a nonsmoker and nondrinker, so the lab abnormalities are strange,
I also have an autoimmune disease (Multiple Sclerosis) and have been on Beta-Interferon for treatment
for the last 6 years. I told my Clinical Specialty Pharmacist about me elevated enzymes and he (Pharmacist)
told me to "stop the medication" - could the Beta-Interferon be the culprit here (a possibility at least. I have
worked in healthcare for many years, so am uncertain as to whether there may have been any exposures, but I used Universal cautions to protect myself at work. I am not able to work now, due to severe fatigue.
Clinical symptoms include: severe fatigue, weight loss (20 lbs, abdominal cramps and pale stools with floaters.
What is your impression ? I have not heard back from my Neurologist, but my Internal Medicine
PCP is very active on my case - I will see him tomorrow and suspect I have either autoimmune caused
Hepatitis or infectious Hepatitis B. What are your thoughts Please? I have tried to lead a healthy
lifestyle and this event (abnormalties with liver function) is devastating to me, I have worked as a
R.N. and MSW/LCSW.
my MD on tomorrow for results. I am a nonsmoker and nondrinker, so the lab abnormalities are strange,
I also have an autoimmune disease (Multiple Sclerosis) and have been on Beta-Interferon for treatment
for the last 6 years. I told my Clinical Specialty Pharmacist about me elevated enzymes and he (Pharmacist)
told me to "stop the medication" - could the Beta-Interferon be the culprit here (a possibility at least. I have
worked in healthcare for many years, so am uncertain as to whether there may have been any exposures, but I used Universal cautions to protect myself at work. I am not able to work now, due to severe fatigue.
Clinical symptoms include: severe fatigue, weight loss (20 lbs, abdominal cramps and pale stools with floaters.
What is your impression ? I have not heard back from my Neurologist, but my Internal Medicine
PCP is very active on my case - I will see him tomorrow and suspect I have either autoimmune caused
Hepatitis or infectious Hepatitis B. What are your thoughts Please? I have tried to lead a healthy
lifestyle and this event (abnormalties with liver function) is devastating to me, I have worked as a
R.N. and MSW/LCSW.
Brief Answer:
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Elevated liver enzymes should necessitate hepatitis profile. Hepatitis B can be transmitted via contact with body fluids of an infected person. Surface antigen, core antibody, e antigen testing followed by PCR would give a clear diagnosis and will also help in deciding on management options.
Anti body testing again in autoimmune would be helpful if you test negative for the above. ANAs, SMAs, LKM 1 and anti LC1 antibodies can be advised.
For confirmation, a liver biopsy may be advised, especially in acute autoimmune hepatitis.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Let me know if you have any query
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Elevated liver enzymes should necessitate hepatitis profile. Hepatitis B can be transmitted via contact with body fluids of an infected person. Surface antigen, core antibody, e antigen testing followed by PCR would give a clear diagnosis and will also help in deciding on management options.
Anti body testing again in autoimmune would be helpful if you test negative for the above. ANAs, SMAs, LKM 1 and anti LC1 antibodies can be advised.
For confirmation, a liver biopsy may be advised, especially in acute autoimmune hepatitis.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Let me know if you have any query
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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