Subject: Re: Enzyme Levels
Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic Area: Liver - General
Posted by HFHSM.D.-ym on March 14, 1999 at 00:18:42:
In Reply to: Enzyme Levels posted by Stan on March 13, 1999 at 12:37:02:

I was declined life insurance because of elevated enzyme levels. The blood test
was taken while I was still under the effects of the flu. I was taking PM Tylenol and
Sudafed and had sinus congestion. I had fever that subsided 3 days befor the test.

My readings are as follows:

Alkaline Phosphatase: 141
GGTP :170
Glucose: 118
HDL Cholesterol: 24
Cholesterol: 179
Cholesterol/HDL Cholesterol Ratio: 7.5%

Other than being overweight as described above, I have not experience any symptoms of illness
of any kind.

Dear Stan,

You state that you were turned down for life insurance because of elevated liver enzymes but did not include the values for the liver enzymes called transaminases (SGOT or AST and SGPT or ALT). You do report an elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. Those can be elevated in patients with gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) as well as in patients with chronic hepatitis. A transabdominal ultrasound may be helpful in excluding or confirming the presence of gallstones or other biliary pathology.

Chronic hepatitis is defined as an elevation in serum aminotransferases (liver enzymes) presumed to have been present for at least six months' duration associated with inflammatory liver injury on examination of a liver biopsy specimen. Chronic hepatitis can be caused by a number of viruses such as hepatitis B, C, B and D (delta virus) and other viruses; metabolic and inherited liver disorders (such as Wilson's disease or alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency) or other liver diseases (autoimmune hepatitis, drug induced liver disease or alcohol). The diagnosis of chronic hepatitis cannot be established with certainty unless a liver biopsy specimen is analyzed. Treatment for chronic hepatitis will depend upon the cause of the liver disease. I hope you find this information helpful.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

If you want to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.

HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: elevated liver enzymes, chronic hepatitis, causes, liver biopsy

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