elevated lft query possible outcome

[Watersk]

hi again

I recently posted that my blood test showed ALT 50 and ALP 177. My GP is repeating tests. I’ve been reading a lot about the progression of liver disease from fatty liver onwards. I have read that all types of scans can detect fatty liver and other problems. In 2019 I had a CT scan for something unrelated to the liver but the liver was observed and reported as all ok except a simple cycst that was present. My GP said this was nothing to worry about. As this was just four years ago when no fatty liver or anything else was detected and from what I have read cirrhosis progresses after fatty liver after several years. Can I assume that these recent test results are unlikely to indicate cirrhosis? I’m very concerned what the ALP reading of 177 could possibly indicate? I have no symptoms at all. I have stopped drinking completely although I didn’t drink heavily or frequently.

[Readlots]

Hi, try not to worry all sorts of things can cause liver results to be a bit off, illnesses, medication, exposure to chemicals. Often they go back to normal by the time you are retested. Stopping alcohol is always s good idea. I wouldn’t make any assumptions based on a scan 4 years ago though. Livers are notoriously unpredictable. They can be damaged by lots of things but also repair themselves too. Don’t drink, eat healthily, excercise and rest and hopefully your next liver test will be normal.

[PutneyGirl]

In solidarity at Watersk. My ALP has been intractable at 197 since it was tested in July. At that time my ALT and GGT were also mildly elevated (that was due to half a bottle, tops, of wine a day). It put Rheumatology in a flat spin and they referred me for ultrasound and fibroscan. Both entirely normal except for a very mildly fatty liver on 239kpa. The hepatologist said it was linked to NAFLD.

At the time everything was tested including all the Heps and autoimmune things and the only flag was that my cholesterol was through the roof. I have got it down by modifying my diet, also the right thing to do for my liver and have lost 23lb.

The ALP will not shift. It is likely being caused by a drug I take for osteoporosis but I am having a bone isotope scan next week to make sure.

If I am entirely honest, I am gobsmacked at what the NHS has put in place or wanted to out in place - I am insured so have had the tests done privately. My rheumatologist is NHS and the bone scan is being done on the NHS because none of the private hospitals have the right equipment - it was a six week wait.