Does anyone have normal LFTs except for dropping albumin, protein and globulin levels and what does it mean.

[Wildare]

[Bolly]

Low levels of these indicate something is wrong with your liver. Who diagnosed the low levels Wildare and have you been offered any follow up?

[Wildare in reply to Bolly]

Hi, Bolly

Thank you so much for replying.

The levels come from a routine blood test (FBC + LFT) that I have at least every year. I have some kidney issues, Hypertension and reflux, so it's a normal precaution.

My levels have been dropping for three years but went under the range, marginally, last year. I tried to get my GP that something was wrong but she said I was probably over hydrated and to re-test. This was done and the figures went into the bottom of the range, so nothing was done.

This year, the numbers are down again, but are labelled as 'satisfactory'.

I have asked for a referral, as it's not the one set of figures that bothers me but the trend, which seems to have escaped the GP.

I am scared stiff and have no idea what the cause might be. Do you have any clue as to the possible problems? I have no idea about this sort of thing, except a feeling of doom!

My numbers are

Albumin (range 35/50) 2010-44 2012-36 2013 34 (retest 35) 2014- 34

protein (range 60/80) 2010 -71 2012-64 2013 - 59 (retest 62) 2014 -57

Globulin (range 22/36) 2010 -29 2012-28 2013-25 (retest 27) 2014 -23

ALT (range 10/50) 2010-23 2012-33 2013-42 (retest 39) 2014 -32

Alk Phos (range 30/130) 2010 -78 201258 2023 -53 (retest 53) 2014-49

As you can see, there is a steady downward trend in the crucial albumin/protein levels and that's why I so scared .

I'd be very grateful for any thoughts you might have and be able to share, as from my reading of this site, you have a very considerable knowledge.

ps- I have drunk moderately- glass or two of wine most days, occasional pint of beer. Haven't even been tipsy for thirty years at least !

Haven't touched a drop since getting these results.

Grateful for any help and any hope.

Many thanks

Wildare

[Bolly]

I'm thinking the fall in albumin and total protein could be related to your kidney issues. Your ALT and ALP are within normal range, your ALT is pretty stable - I know its up and down a bit, but that's normal and suggests there is no inflammation in your liver. I guess it's difficult for a GP to refer you when your number are within range, albeit with a downward trend for some of them.

You could try the British Kidney Patient Association or the National Kidney Federation or perhaps there is a kidney forum on here?

[Wildare in reply to Bolly]

Hi, Bolly

Thanks so much for these wise words and I will certainly have a look at those kidney sites. As I said earlier, I have medullary sponge kidney, so carry lots of stones around with me (which sometimes decide to move-painfully, although not recently) My GFR is ok at 70 on this test but I have generally had a bit of a battering, with five GAs for surgery in the last four years- the last in Feb- so I suppose my body may be responding in some way, too.

I really appreciate your knowledgeable comments and hope I may come back to you as things develop.

Best wishes