High Liver Enzyme Levels
High Liver Enzyme Levels I am a 28-year-old female with no notable health issues in my past. My height is 5 feet 5 inches, and my weight stands at 158 pounds. I reside in the United States. At the end of May, I experienced walking pneumonia, accompanied by a fever lasting for ten days, which led to a hospital visit. During my stay, tests revealed that my liver enzymes were elevated. As treatment, I received two intravenous bags of antibiotics and subsequently underwent a seven-day course of oral antibiotics. A week later, I returned to my primary care physician for a follow-up appointment, where an X-ray still showed signs of pneumonia. Consequently, I was prescribed a Z-pack, and my doctor conducted additional blood tests. The results of those tests indicated that my liver enzyme levels had risen further: - ALT: 258 U/L (elevated; normal is < 56) - AST: 218 U/L (elevated) - ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase): 305 U/L (elevated) - GGT: 225 U/L (elevated) - Globulin: 4.4 g/dL (elevated) - A/G Ratio: 0.8 (low) - Albumin: 3.4 g/dL (normal) - Total Protein: 7.8 g/dL (normal) - Bilirubin: 0.3 mg/dL (normal) - BUN: 10 mg/dL (normal) - Creatinine: 0.72 mg/dL (normal) - BUN/Creatinine Ratio: 14 (normal) - Sodium: 144 mmol/L (normal) - Potassium: 4.2 mmol/L (normal) - Chloride: 105 mmol/L (normal) - CO₂ (bicarbonate): 26 mmol/L (normal) - Calcium: 9.2 mg/dL (normal) - Glucose: 90 mg/dL (normal) - Hepatitis A/B/C panel: Negative (both in the hospital and at my primary doctor) - CEA: <2.0 ng/mL (normal; non-smoker range <2.5) - CA 19-9: 57 U/mL (mildly elevated; normal <34) I've been experiencing pain in my right upper quadrant, particularly after consuming greasy or fatty meals. Additionally, lying on my right side often causes discomfort. I recently underwent an abdominal ultrasound, which came back normal. Following this, I was referred to an oncologist. I’m puzzled about this referral. Is it common for oncologists to conduct liver biopsies or perform further evaluations? I find it perplexing since I had an autoimmune panel done in April, and at that time, my liver function was normal. I tested negative for all autoimmune diseases, except for a slightly elevated ESR of 22 and RF of 38.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 5:50:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
Elevated liver enzyme levels can be concerning and indicate potential liver stress or damage. Your recent history of pneumonia could be linked, but it's important to investigate further to understand the cause of your elevated enzymes.
Explanation
Liver enzymes, such as ALT and AST, help assess liver health. High values can result from various issues including medication effects, infections, fatty liver disease, and autoimmune disorders. Given your recent antibiotic treatment and the abdominal discomfort you’re experiencing, it’s understandable to feel anxious about your liver health.
The referral to an oncologist may arise from standard practices when liver abnormalities are significant, even if malignancy is less likely. They typically evaluate and may conduct additional tests for conditions that could affect the liver, including cancers, but they also handle broader concerns related to liver health.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Track Symptoms: Keep a diary of any symptoms you experience, particularly after meals, and how your body reacts to different foods. This will help in understanding triggers.
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Dietary Adjustments: Start a low-fat, balanced diet, focusing on whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Reduce consumption of greasy or fatty foods to help minimize discomfort and put less strain on your liver.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which can support overall liver function.
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Follow Up Tests: Prepare for possible follow-up tests that the oncologist may recommend, such as imaging studies or blood tests. These will help clarify the cause of your elevated liver enzymes. Discuss any concerns with them.
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Consultation Preparation: Reflect on all your health symptoms and history before your appointment with the oncologist. Ask them directly about the reasons for their referral and the types of evaluations they might consider, including biopsy options if necessary.
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Mental Wellness: Acknowledge feelings of confusion and anxiety. Consider speaking with a mental health professional or using stress-relief techniques to help manage feelings during this uncertain time.
Staying proactive about your health and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers will give you the best chance at obtaining clear answers and guidance. Let me know if you have more specific questions or need further support!
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