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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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High Lever Function Results; severely high GGT
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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MedHelp Member's Question

High Lever Function Results; severely high GGT

by thomasr, May 19, 2003 12:00AM
When a blood test was taken as part of a physical, my results showed high liver function results:  ALP 390; AST 88; ALT 177; GGT 1062.  My cholesterol was 242; LDL 157; Triglycerides 160.  I am 39 years old without any other known health problems.  I am 230 pounds at 5' 7" and just started a heathly diet.  I have never consumed any alcohol and never had sex with any woman other than my wife (who does not have hepatitus).  I was quite surprised with my test results since I feel fine and do not have any symptoms.  (I do not know if this is relevant, but I was sick with a slight fever and fatique just a day before blood was taken.)  I have already made an appointment to see a specialist.  What do you think is likely happening for me to get those high readings?  



Thanks!



Tom
Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, May 20, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.



First off, I would repeat the liver tests to make sure they are accurate.  Assuming they are, there are several considerations that can raise the liver tests this high.  They include alcoholic hepatitis, viral hepatitis, toxic hepatitis (i.e. with Tylenol - although the AST and ALT would typically be in the thousands), ischemic hepatitis (again, the AST and ALT would typically be in the thousands), Wilson's disease (a genetic liver disease that can present with acute hepatitis), and autoimmune hepatitis.



Seeing a specialist is a good idea.  Tests include a viral hepatitis screen, autoimmune hepatitis screen, tests for Wilson's disease (i.e. serum ceruloplasmin level) should all be considered.  I would also perform an abdominal ultrasound to image the liver.  If these tests are non-revealing, your specialist may consider a liver biopsy.  



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.

Member Comments (4)

by imkindly, May 20, 2003 12:00AM
To: thomasr
Since you mentioned that your ALP is also high, another possibility could be some type of biliary obstruction (cholestasis).



Here's some info you might want to look at



http://www.sydpath.stvincents.com.au/tests/GGT.htm



http://www.labcorp.com/datasets/labcorp/html/chapter/mono/pr004400.htm



by TTTT, May 22, 2003 12:00AM
THIS IS HAPPENING TO ME RIGHT NOW. E-MAIL ME AT ( ***@****) AND I'LL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT.

by meme26, May 28, 2003 12:00AM
my lever enzymes were up when i went to see the Doctorwas looking at having gastric by pass surgery sgot 130 sgpt 162 alk phos 114 my cholestrol is 292 was told no more tylenol products alcohol would there be any reason not to go though with the surgery had a biopsy done found fatty liver steatohepatitis with bridging fibrosis

by thomasr, Jul 02, 2003 12:00AM
Follow up:  Further blood tests eliminated the possibility of hepatitis or any autoimmune disorder.  My ultrasound revealed that my liver is not enlarged "but contains multiple areas of inhomogeneity suggesting focal fatty inflitration.  No mass lesions are seen."  Gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and right kidney were normal.  Therefore, my problem is a fatty liver.



Thanks,



Tom

by iyyunny, Apr 30, 2008 07:47PM
A related discussion, high lver function lab numbers was started.

by sumivelan, Jul 14, 2008 12:39PM
A related discussion, liver function was started.
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