every test under the sun but no apparent cause for elevated liver numbers

[Lulla]

Hi. I’m posting for a friend in case anyone here has experienced something similar.

She’s in her early 30s and healthy.

her liver panel shows elevated numbers but she has no fatty liver, negative for any hep c/b, has done all liver related autoimmune tests and all are negative. Has been to a few centers but no one can identify the reason for these elevated liver results.

She feels perfectly well. I understand why she would like to know why her blood tests are not normal, at the back of her mind she probably worried as her dad died fairly young of liver disease/tumor.

Is it normal to identify the reason behind elevated liver numbers?

[AyrshireK]

Does she know what the cause of her fathers liver disease/tumour was?

Have they run all the tests for genetic liver diseases - haemochromatosis, Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, Wilson's disease etc.

With a potential family history that needs to be explored.

Katie

[looby24 in reply to AyrshireK]

Hi - yes lots of tests. Some attached. Sorry I forgot to say that she has been diagnosed with Gilbert's disease

I'm not sure of her father's liver disease cause. He did sadly die of cirrhosis / the liver tumor over 10 years ago.

[looby24 in reply to AyrshireK]

I don't know actually. I forgot to say she does have Gilbert's disease

[NieceByMarriage]

Has she had a liver biopsy? That is invasive but could possibly provide answers. May be worth at least discussing pros and cons with a medic. In my case I had elevated liver readings for some years but nobody thought they were significant. (I am talking readings of around 90 when max should be around 30 - and liver readings can go way more deranged than that). Eventually it turned out I have Hep C but your friend has been tested so it obviously isn't that in her case.

[looby24 in reply to NieceByMarriage]

Thanks - she's trying to avoid the liver biopsy. I must admit it does sound an invasive procedure considering she feels well. I wonder anyway what they could find out with a biopsy . Do you know?

[bantam12]

I have no definite cause for my raised liver results, been like that for over 15 years, had all the tests, scans and a biopsy.

[looby24 in reply to bantam12]

That's interesting. And you have had the biopsy too. I wonder if medications could be the cuilprit?

[bantam12 in reply to looby24]

I’m on quite a few now but my liver results were high before I started all of them.

[Linzimon1]

I'm in the same position awaiting a fibro scan hope your friend gets some answers soon through unknown is hard , like the others say maybe ask your friend for biopsy good luck x

[looby24 in reply to Linzimon1]

Thank you. Hope you get some answers too. I do wonder what the situation is in terms of what the dangers of deranged blood levels could be. If there is no known cause. Do your doctors seem concerned? I just wonder whether it's just a matter of things being what they are and no actual danger.

[Linzimon1 in reply to looby24]

Well mine r through the roof last alt over 300 ggt 1400 at its highest no symptoms feel well in my self recent stomach cramps and toilet probs but that's about it ? Still no answers hopefully I'll know more soon x

[Linzimon1 in reply to looby24]

No they don't seem overly concerned as I'm healthy all obs are fine and I have no symptoms strange isn't it they were happy to discharge me to be seen in 3 months for the fibro scan

[Readlots]

With a possible genetic link, I’m wondering about Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. But also Covid is causing all sorts of long lasting effects that aren’t fully understood.

[looby24]

Thanks - yes I know what you mean about Covid - could be.

[Readlots in reply to looby24]

Hi Looby, I’m glad that might have been helpful. You might want to remove the results though because the moderators tend to pounce when they see them. It’s OK for us to talk in general terms about results but we shouldn’t post actual results, that’s really for medical professionals to comment on and advise. Just thought I’d give you the heads up

[Lulla in reply to Readlots]

Thank you - will do

[Lulla in reply to Readlots]

I meant to post just to show which tests were done. Should have obscured the results

[Readlots in reply to Lulla]

So easily done. If I wrote down everything I meant to do I’d have a whole library of notebooks 😂

[A1ATAV]

I had years of elevated liver enzymes (I'm in my 50's), in the 60 - 70 range, which GPs kept putting down to medication I was taking (statins). I am fit and healthy, zero symptoms, and was happy to accept that until one GP (to whom I will always be extremely grateful) decide to investigate further and ordered genetic testing. I was diagnosed with Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. A subsequent Fibroscan showed severe fibrosis (F3/F4), which I was able to reverse back to F1 after 6 months with some lifestyle changes, primarily cutting out alcohol. I'm absolutely fine now, but it was a scary period and I wish I'd been aware of my condition earlier. The reality is that there is no treatment for AAT currently (& many other liver conditions), so the only way to address it is through lifestyle changes - weight, diet, alcohol, exercise - but if your friend is already doing all the right things, a diagnosis won't necessarily change treatment options. Out of interest, despite the F1 score and a complete clean bill of health from my hepatologist, my liver enzyme results remain high - he has told me not to worry about it (& I have asked him more than once!). I now see him once a year for a check up.