Elevated LFT’s

[Sar89]

Hi Everyone,

Just looking for anyone experiencing anything similar. For a few years I’ve had either slightly elevated ALT or elevated GGT. I just had a blood test and my GGT is slightly elevated again. My doctor wants me to have an ultrasound to see what’s going on and also have some more blood tests to test for Hep C etc. I do enjoy a glass of wine here and there but have stopped drinking since. Any ideas? Thanks everyone.

[Hidden]

GGT is a very sensitive marker for liver inflammation and a lot of things can bump it over normal range. GGT isn't even included in routine labs in the US anymore, as minor elevations are common, & doctors don't like telling alarmed patients they haven't a clue what might be causing this.

Most doc's aren't alarmed by minor elevations unless they are double or more over the upper limit over a series of labs over several months time. Many prescription and over the counter meds can cause minor elevations in GGT, as can household and work place toxic exposures. Heavy alcohol consumption is notorious for elevating GGT, but drinking within safe guidelines really shouldn't result in substantial elevation. If your GGT is related to alcohol, it should normalize within 30 days or so after abstaining.

Some detective work may be in order to see if you have any toxic exposures you may not be aware of. Time is on your side so long as GGT isn't trending higher or consistently more than double the upper limit, but you don't want to live with these elevations long term. Hope you figure out what's going on.

[Sar89 in reply to Hidden]

Naww thank you so much for your wonderful reply. Just had bloods taken today after no drinking for 2 weeks (probably not long enough) and off to an ultrasound tomorrow. Will be good to find out the reason for the slight increase as it has been going on for several years.

[Hidden]

Ggt is indeed a sensitive marker for liver inflammation however it is not an incredibly specific marker as GGT concentrations are found elsewhere in the body as well. Highest concentrations are in the liver but also in the kidneys spleen gall bladder and intestine. GGT can also be elevated in chronic pulmonary diseases.

[Sar89 in reply to Hidden]

So update...went to the doctors today and ultrasound is all normal. ALT level is still slightly elevated. Cholesterol and sugar levels are all normal. Doctor is really not sure so had more bloods today to test for things that can attack the liver. Super strange....

[Hidden in reply to Sar89]

Hmm . I do know ALT raised in combination with GGT is typically associated with choleostatic type problems. Like bike duct obstruction or gall bladder issues. But ome would tend to think that it would have shown on an ultrasound. Unless it's small. Perhaps a more sensitive imaging test like an MRI may be needed?

[Sar89 in reply to Hidden]

It's so crazy. Gallbladder is all normal and everything looks fine. They really aren't sure. I get my blood results back Tuesday and we will go from there. Will keep you updated

[Sar89 in reply to Sar89]

Ok so update. Tests came back my copper level is a little high so because I’ve had my LFT’s slightly elevated for 10 years doctor was me to see a specialist to get their opinion as she isn’t too sure. So crazy all these tests and we still can’t pin point anything. Hopefully get some answers soon

[bantam12 in reply to Sar89]

I've had high GGT (100s above norm) + ALP for 10 years but despite all the scans and biopsy no cause has ever been found.

[Sar89 in reply to bantam12]

It's crazy how sometimes the body can't be straight forward like we want.