Concerns About Elevated Liver Enzymes in My Baby: Is Muscular Dystrophy a Possibility?
My son, who is now 9 months old, has been a source of constant worry for me due to his health issues. At 4 months, we visited a nephrologist because he was found to have uric acid crystals in his urine. After conducting several tests, we received a diagnosis of mild hypercalcemia alongside a single mutation indicative of cystinuria. Thankfully, the uric acid crystals have resolved, but my concerns have not subsided. During his routine metabolic panels, his doctor has consistently noted slight elevations in his AST and ALT levels. It's worth mentioning that he has been unwell in the weeks leading up to each of these tests, which makes me wonder about the impact of illness on these results. I can’t help but feel anxious after searching online, where I stumbled upon information linking elevated liver enzymes to conditions like muscular dystrophy, among other potential concerns. I’m reaching out to see if these lab results could signify anything serious. Additionally, I want to share that my baby is exclusively breastfed. Could this dietary choice be influencing his liver enzyme levels? Here are some of his recent lab results: **ALT (Normal Range: 12-45)** - March 19, 2025: 37 U/L - December 19, 2024: 30 U/L - November 6, 2024: 53 U/L (High) **Albumin (Normal Range: 2.3-4.8)** - March 19, 2025: 4.7 G/DL - December 19, 2024: 4.4 G/DL - November 6, 2024: 5.2 G/DL (High) **AST (Lab Range: 20-60)** - March 19, 2025: 91 U/L (High) - December 19, 2024: 102 U/L (High) - November 6, 2024: 78 U/L (High)
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 10:40:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand your concerns regarding your baby's elevated liver enzymes and the potential implications for his health. It's completely normal to feel anxious when navigating such situations, especially with the backdrop of previous health issues. Let’s break this down into manageable pieces to help you find clarity.
Key Points
- Elevated Liver Enzymes: Slightly elevated AST and ALT may not always indicate a serious condition. Illnesses can cause temporary rises in these enzymes, especially in young children.
- Muscular Dystrophy: While elevated liver enzymes can be associated with muscular dystrophy, they are more commonly linked with liver function and metabolism rather than directly indicating this genetic muscle disorder.
- Diet and Gastrointestinal Issues: Exclusive breastfeeding can be beneficial, but ensure the breastfeeding process is supporting his overall nutrition and growth.
Explanation
Elevated liver enzymes, AST and ALT, can be affected by several factors, including:
- Illness: If your baby has been unwell during testing periods, this could influence enzyme levels.
- Nutrition: Breastfeeding is generally excellent for infants, and it shouldn’t directly cause elevated liver enzymes unless there are specific underlying issues.
- Genetic Conditions: While cystinuria has been diagnosed, it primarily affects kidney function. Elevated liver enzymes are typically not a direct result of this.
Muscular dystrophy is a progressive genetic disorder, and while some forms can lead to liver issues, it usually presents with specific symptoms related to muscle control and weakness, which you haven't mentioned.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep observing your baby’s overall health, including appetite, energy levels, and any unusual symptoms.
- Discuss with Pediatrician: Share your concerns and lab results with your pediatrician. They may recommend repeat tests to see if the elevated levels persist, particularly after your baby has fully recovered from any recent illnesses.
- Maintain a Health Journal: Track your baby's feeding patterns, growth milestones, and any changes in health. This can help identify patterns that might inform your healthcare provider.
- Follow Up Testing: Your doctor may suggest further testing based on your baby’s history and these lab results to rule out any liver-specific issues.
I recommend staying close to your healthcare team, as they can provide tailored guidance considering your baby’s unique health history. It’s natural to worry, but it’s essential to focus on actionable steps and maintain open lines of communication with healthcare providers. Please keep nurturing your baby, and reach out if you have any more questions or need support.
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