Obese and ALT 40 and right abdominal aches

[tiredBFmum]

Should I press for proper NAFLD assessment? GP said I don't need to do anything, not even retest the LFts in the future.

As an obese person I obviously need to lose weight but should I get an abdominal ultrasound or an ELF test to see how bad my likely NAFLD is?

I've had negative hepatitis results and suffer from chronic fatigue. Other LFts normal but not had INR or AST tested. I haven't drunk since December.

Thanks

[Hidden]

ALT of 40 is right around the upper limit of the normal range set by most labs, & moderate elevations are common in obese populations. Doctors usually don't sweat a minor/isolated elevation unless it is double or more the upper limit of the normal range.

If 40 is at all higher than the upper limit set by your lab, then a retest, typically between 90 days and 6 months should be justified. If you're just within normal, then your doc is probably correct in saying a retest in not "required". An isolated lab elevation probably would not justify additional diagnostics at this time, but if you're still out of range on a retest, then additional diagnostics may be warranted.

Personally, I'd like to try for a retest at around 6 months, after attempting to improve diet & weight loss, to see if ALT is trending lower, hanging high, or trending upwards. Perhaps if you leave it be with your doc for now, he/she will be more receptive to followup labs at around 6 months.

Hope your next labs are back to normal.

[briccolone]

Well done on the no alcohol bit- that lessens the chances of further damage if you’re overweight. Concentrate on the weight loss and most things should fall into place- know it’s difficult but persevere. It’s not just the liver that will improve!