OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance on My Blood Test Results

Greetings everyone, I’m a 34-year-old male with a history of excessive alcohol consumption that lasted nearly ten years. However, it has been nearly two years since I quit drinking altogether. Standing at 5’10” and weighing just over 16 stone, I recognize that my diet is far from healthy. In the past, I have undergone numerous blood tests, often receiving assurance that my results were acceptable. Recently, though, it appears my condition may be deteriorating. After consulting with a gastroenterologist, I've been advised to consider the possibility of a liver biopsy. I would greatly appreciate if anyone could help me interpret the following test results, figure out potential causes, and advise if I should be worried. **Test Results from March 25:** The gastroenterologist requested a liver antibody test to rule out autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). One non-specific liver antibody was found to be elevated, and we are now discussing the risks and benefits of a liver biopsy. The results remain stable, but the necessity for the biopsy is uncertain. **Blood Test from February:** * Before these tests, I had a mild head cold which caused swelling in my neck lymph nodes and required antibiotics. I wonder if this could have influenced subsequent antibody test results. * **Albumin:** 38 * **Globulin:** 41 * **Bilirubin:** 10 * **Alkaline Phosphate:** 87 * **ALT:** 62 * **GGT:** 29 * **IgG:** 24 * **IgM:** 2 * **IgA:** 1.9 Collectively, there was no detection of para-protein or M-protein. Serum protein electrophoresis indicated increased gamma globulin (polyclonal). **Urine Analysis:** * **Microalbumin:** none found * **Creatinine:** 2 * **Serum Urea:** 4.8 * **Creatinine:** 104 * **Sodium:** 135 * **Potassium:** 4.2 * **eGFR:** 80 * **Hemoglobin:** 137 * **White Blood Cell Count:** 6.3 * **Red Blood Cell Count:** 5.07 * **Hematocrit:** 4.09 * **Hemoglobin Concentration:** 335 * **Platelet Count:** 405 * **Red Blood Cell Distribution Width:** 13.3% **Latest Results from September:** * **Albumin:** 42 * **Globulin:** 40 * **Bilirubin:** 8 * **Alkaline Phosphate:** 74 * **ALT:** 34 * **GGT:** 22 * Hepatitis was not detected. * **HbA1c:** 36 (normal range: 20-40) * **Serum Urea:** 4.8 * **Creatinine:** 96 * **Sodium:** 139 * **Potassium:** 4.5 * **eGFR:** 89 * **Hemoglobin:** 139 * **White Blood Cell Count:** 5.5 * **Red Blood Cell Count:** 5.11 * **Hematocrit:** 0.4111 * **Hemoglobin Concentration:** 338 * **Platelet Count:** 364 * **Red Blood Cell Distribution Width:** 13.3% **Folate Level:** 5 ug/l * **IgG:** 22.7 * **IgM:** 1.91 * **IgA:** 1.83 * **Serum C-Reactive Protein:** 2.62 (normal range: 0-5) **Test Results from August 24:** * **AST:** 39 * **Albumin:** 43 * **Globulin:** 41 * **Alkaline Phosphate:** 74 * **ALT:** 64 * **Bilirubin:** 15 * **GGT:** 27 **Test Results from June 24:** * **AST:** 27 * **Albumin:** 46 * **Globulin:** 39 * **Alkaline Phosphate:** 68 * **ALT:** 54 * **Bilirubin:** 12 * **GGT:** 27 **Test Results from May 24:** * **Albumin:** 43 * **Globulin:** 40 * **Alkaline Phosphate:** 76 * **ALT:** 95 * **Bilirubin:** 18 * **GGT:** 36 An ultrasound scan has shown no abnormalities. **Test Results from January 24:** * **AST:** 20 * **Albumin:** 42 * **Globulin:** 42 * **Alkaline Phosphate:** 77 * **ALT:** 39 * **Bilirubin:** 13 * **GGT:** 25 I would be grateful for any insights or interpretations regarding my results. Thank you!

Answers (1)

4/4/2025, 4:01:26 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you have navigated a significant journey regarding your health, particularly related to your previous alcohol consumption and current blood test results. Based on what you've shared, your test results indicate some changes in liver function markers and a requirement for further evaluation to ensure your liver health.

Main Points:

• You have elevated liver enzymes (like ALT) and elevated gamma globulin levels.
• A liver biopsy is a potential next step to assess the health of your liver, especially considering your history of alcohol use.
• Continuing a healthy lifestyle is crucial while further testing and follow-up are carried out.

Explanation:

1. Liver Enzymes: Your recent ALT levels have varied; while lower than in previous tests, they remain elevated. ALT specifically indicates liver cell inflammation or damage. Elevated ALT could be due to past alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, or other underlying liver conditions.

2. Gamma Globulin: The increased gamma globulin indicates an immune response, which can occur in various liver diseases, including autoimmune hepatitis. The presence of one non-specific antibody suggests that further exploration, like the liver biopsy, could help clarify any underlying immune-related conditions.

3. Kidney Function: Your kidney results, including creatinine and eGFR, show that your kidney function is in the normal range.

4. Prior Illness: The mild head cold and neck lymph node swelling might have temporarily influenced your test results, particularly the immune markers (like IgG, IgM, and IgA).

Next Steps:

1. Diet and Lifestyle: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reducing the intake of saturated fats and sugars will aid general health and support your liver function. Stay well-hydrated.

2. Continue Monitoring: Keep track of your symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, or any abdominal discomfort. If you notice significant changes, make a note of them.

3. Discuss Biopsy Benefits/Risks: Prepare questions about the liver biopsy process. Understand the potential risks and benefits and how it can guide treatment options based on the findings.

4. Regular Check-ups: Ensure to follow up with your gastroenterologist regularly to monitor your liver enzyme levels and overall liver health.

5. Stay Informed: Connect with credible resources (like the CDC or WHO) that provide reliable information about liver health and lifestyle changes. Keeping informed can reassure you and empower you to take further steps in your health journey.

Addressing concerns about your liver health is essential, and while some variability in lab results can occur, maintaining communication with healthcare professionals will help you navigate this effectively. If you have any more specific questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!