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What Does Elevated Liver Enzymes After Steroidal Treatment For Sinus Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 24 May 2014

Question: hi liver enzymes elevated routine bloodwork just finished steroids due inflamed sinuses one week ago a 12 day decreasing dose starting at 20mg could this be the cause also a Medrol pak utilized twice in february

Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
it could

Detailed Answer:
steroid use such as a medrol pak can cause fatty liver, which can result in inflammation of the liver and therefore liver enzyme elevation.
However keep in mind that this is not the only cause of liver enzyme elevation, and you should be checked for other potential problems by blood testing (to check problems such as autoimmune liver disease, viral hepatitis, iron overload). An ultrasound of the liver might be a good idea as well.
In the meantime avoid alcohol, lose weight if you are overweight, and follow up with a liver specialist (or gastroenterologist) regarding your liver enzymes.
Hope that helped, let me know if you have further questions or concerns

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

Follow up: Dr. Enrique Molina (23 hours later)

Firstly, i appreciate the prompt response. The recommendations coincide with my internal medicine doctor. Just wanted to add that 6 months ago my lab results were normal. The use of steroids to treat my inflamed sinuses started in February.To reiterate, the use of steroids involved two medrol paks in the month of february and a 12 day course of Prednisone in April. I take celebrex as needed for tendonitis in one ankle, and that may only be 2 days in a row. I don't stay on it. Motrin only occasionally as well. I am not overweight, i am healthy. I have no high blood pressure, no cardiovascular disease. I drink limitedly, maximum maybe once a week (a beer). Any further thoughts on this scenario would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
see below

Detailed Answer:
if all your labs were normal 6 months ago, this is reassuring. The elevation in liver enzymes is most likely due to the steroids. I would wait 2-3 months after being off the steroids and re-check the enzymes to make sure. Also have your cholesterol checked.
Celebrex or motrin as needed should not be the culprit in this case, however keep in mind that they can cause inflammation in the liver as well. A beer a week should not be the source either, however while your liver enzymes are elevated it is prudent not to drink at all.

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

Follow up: Dr. Enrique Molina (4 hours later)

Thanks again for your feedback, it's very much appreciated!
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome!!

Detailed Answer:
you are very welcome!!

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