Concerns About My Sister's Health
My sister, who is 24 years old, has been experiencing considerable fatigue and a lack of appetite for nearly a month, prompting her to undergo some medical tests. The most recent liver function test (LFT) provided alarming results: - SGOT: 450.8 - SGPT: 649.1 - Alkaline Phosphatase: 165.9 In terms of her physical stats, she stands at 170 cm tall and weighs 60 kg. She has never smoked and only drinks alcohol occasionally—twice a month—though she hasn't had any since her health issues began. She was previously misdiagnosed by another doctor and treated for anaemia without the appropriate LFT being conducted at that time. From what I gather, these liver enzyme levels are significantly elevated, which adds to my anxiety about her condition. I am deeply concerned and would appreciate any guidance or assistance regarding her situation. Thank you.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 2:40:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that your sister's health situation is concerning, particularly with the significantly elevated liver enzyme levels. It's important to approach this with both care and clarity about what steps can be taken next.
Main Points:
- Elevated liver enzymes can indicate liver stress or damage and warrant further evaluation.
- It's essential to monitor her symptoms closely and follow up on medical advice.
Explanation: The liver function test (LFT) results you’ve shared show notably high levels of SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), which are enzymes that typically indicate liver inflammation or damage. Common causes could include viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or reactions to medications, among others. Given your sister's symptoms of fatigue and lack of appetite, these results are indeed a cause for concern, but there are many potential causes that can be addressed.
Next Steps:
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a close eye on any changes in her health. Symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), severe abdominal pain, or confusion should be treated urgently.
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Maintain Hydration: Encourage her to drink plenty of fluids, as hydration is crucial for overall health, especially when the body is under stress.
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Balanced Diet: While her appetite may be low, it's important that she tries to eat a balanced diet, focusing on easily digestible foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins if she's able to tolerate them.
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Rest: Encourage her to get plenty of rest to help her body recover and manage fatigue.
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Follow-Up Care: Since she has already undergone testing, it’s crucial that she has regular follow-ups with her healthcare provider to monitor her liver function and any advancing symptoms. It’d be beneficial to discuss these test results in detail and, if not done already, consider further evaluation or referral to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or hepatologist.
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Review of Medications: If she is taking any medications (including over-the-counter supplements), review these with a doctor, as they may affect liver function.
I hope this helps you feel more equipped to support your sister during this time. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance in understanding her condition.
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