Elevated liver enzymes???

[DLgal]

Has anyone had this show up on a blood panel with no other abnormal numbers?

I'm 39, generally healthy, don't drink much alcohol (Last drink was almost 2 weeks ago), but I do take Aleve frequently for headaches. I don't take any daily medications. I'm not really overweight. I am at the upper end of "normal" for my height. I exercise a few times per week.

Went for annual physical and blood work, liver enzymes came back elevated. My doctor sounded confused and a bit concerned, but suggested we re-test next week just to make sure it's a valid result.

Of course I am freaking out. Has that happened to anyone who didn't actually have another underlying condition? I have absolutely no symptoms.

 

[Lehuaann]

Was your doctor made aware of you taking Aleve frequently?

 

[IAHFTPT]

Has anyone had this show up on a blood panel with no other abnormal numbers?

I'm 39, generally healthy, don't drink much alcohol (Last drink was almost 2 weeks ago), but I do take Aleve frequently for headaches. I don't take any daily medications. I'm not really overweight. I am at the upper end of "normal" for my height. I exercise a few times per week.

Went for annual physical and blood work, liver enzymes came back elevated. My doctor sounded confused and a bit concerned, but suggested we re-test next week just to make sure it's a valid result.

Of course I am freaking out. Has that happened to anyone who didn't actually have another underlying condition? I have absolutely no symptoms.

My dad had this same issue and an ultra sound was ordered. It eventually showed a fatty liver and he had to make some diet changes to correct it.

 

[Marchand63]

My dad had this same issue and an ultra sound was ordered. It eventually showed a fatty liver and he had to make some diet changes to correct it.

Same with my DH. He is 5'7" - 160 and plays hockey 3 times a week - non drinker except on vacation once a year. So very very healthy but he had to change his diet, now he is totally within normal range.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

Aleve shouldn't cause live function elevation as it is an NSAID which usually messes with kidney functions not liver. Acetaminophen is what messes with the liver.

However, handling of the blood during and after draw can cause false elevations. turniquet left on too long, waiting too long before spinning down the tube, letting it sit at room temperature too long, etc.

Getting a redraw sounds like a good idea before freaking out about the results.

 

[Kimberle]

Wait a couple of months, then have the test redone. A lot of tests are "off". So don't worry now. You could have also had a virus. They generally clear themselves.

 

[ilovevacation]

Completely agree about the NSAIDs, only Tylenol should have that effect unless you are talking other meds that your medical team does not know about which includes vitamins. I would also suggest a recheck, one time does not equal a trend

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Has anyone had this show up on a blood panel with no other abnormal numbers?

I'm 39, generally healthy, don't drink much alcohol (Last drink was almost 2 weeks ago), but I do take Aleve frequently for headaches. I don't take any daily medications. I'm not really overweight. I am at the upper end of "normal" for my height. I exercise a few times per week.

Went for annual physical and blood work, liver enzymes came back elevated. My doctor sounded confused and a bit concerned, but suggested we re-test next week just to make sure it's a valid result.

Of course I am freaking out. Has that happened to anyone who didn't actually have another underlying condition? I have absolutely no symptoms.

What was your lipid panel results?

 

[DLgal]

What was your lipid panel results?

Normal

 

[DLgal]

Was your doctor made aware of you taking Aleve frequently?

Yes

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Normal

What are the numbers?

 

[DLgal]

Completely agree about the NSAIDs, only Tylenol should have that effect unless you are talking other meds that your medical team does not know about which includes vitamins. I would also suggest a recheck, one time does not equal a trend

NSAIDS can definitely elevate liver enzymes. My googling earlier turned up numerous references to this. Almost every site I visited mentioned NSAIDS specifically.

 

[DLgal]

What are the numbers?

She didn't give me the actual numbers. She called me and I haven't seen the actual results. She said my Cholesterol and Triglycerides as well as all my markers for cardiac health are "very good."

 

[DLgal]

Wait a couple of months, then have the test redone. A lot of tests are "off". So don't worry now. You could have also had a virus. They generally clear themselves.

I do have a virus. A cold my son passed onto me. I started feeling sick 2 days before the blood draw. I am still sick. My doctor knew this.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Have you had your gallbladder out?

 

[DLgal]

Have you had your gallbladder out?

Yes, in 2011.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

She didn't give me the actual numbers. She called me and I haven't seen the actual results. She said my Cholesterol and Triglycerides as well as all my markers for cardiac health are "very good."

Get your results for starters. Every time you get a blood test get the paper copy from now on. I have made a medical binder.

Last yr my liver enzymes were

ALK PHOS 116 Range (41-108)
ALT 121 (7-45)
AST 71 (8-43)
CK 41 (38-176)

 

[gillep]

I would definitely not be worried (I know that's impossible) until you find out more information. I had a liver transplant over 30 years ago, so I have spent my entire life monitoring liver enzymes. There are multiple different liver enzyme values that are monitored in routine blood work (at least if you get a complete metabolic panel) and they are all indicative of different things, so it is really helpful to know which are elevated and by how much. I have had a minor virus temporarily elevate my enzymes, as well as an improperly processed blood sample (although when that happens it occurs with all of the tests that used that tube, so it is rarely just one value that is off, although it can happen depending on the test and how the blood was drawn). It used to be thought that NSAIDS did not raise liver values, and that only Tylenol was brought up as an issue, but I have seen a stark change in that thought process from my hepatologists over the past 5 years or so, they now are also more interested in NSAID use, as it can have an affect on the liver, although I have been told that some use is still fine, and that the exact mechanisms etc. are not as well known. I have had one of my enzymes above normal values for about 6 years now (can't remember if it is my AST or ALT) and have had multiple ultrasounds and a liver biopsy and there is just no cause that they can find, and it has not been an issue with my health as everything else is fine. We are on a monitor and see pattern, and I have been told that this sometimes just happens (something about the joys of age...). I hope you get some answers soon and that it is nothing to worry about!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yes, in 2011.

Get an MRI on your liver or an abdominal CAT SCAN or both.

I saw a liver specialist at Mayo in AZ last yr. My ducts were inflamed. He did say that having your gallbladder out can cause it.

I guess I need to get retested! I am seeing the GI on Tues so I have been going through my medical binder. Thanks!

 

[DLgal]

Get an MRI on your liver or an abdominal CAT SCAN or both.

I saw a liver specialist at Mayo in AZ last yr. My ducts were inflamed. He did say that having your gallbladder out can cause it.

I guess I need to get retested! I am seeing the GI on Tues so I have been going through my medical binder. Thanks!

Luckily (?) I visited a gastroenterologist two weeks ago for some testing to find out why my IBS has gotten worse over the past year or so. He ordered an endoscopy and colonoscopy which I need to schedule once my insurance company authorizes it. At least I can have him work up the lover enzyme issue if the second test comes back elevated as well.

I also saw that some intestinal disorders can elevate liver enzymes and that is what my gastro is looking for with the two tests he ordered (celiac and UC/Chrohns)