ALT - (Moderators note I am not seeking medical advice)

[MarthaRock]

Odd! My ALT jumped from 33 to 82 in a period of a month? Underlying reasons are many, but usually an acute infection in the liver. Bloods tested after a month ALT had gone down to 26. Hadn't felt poorly at all and all others bloods were pristine (to quote my consultant). Every check was made to see what had caused tbe sharp rise but no explanation could be found. Im obviously reassured and happy that i'm now back in the 'normal range', in fact better. Tbe body eh! Just thought I'd share. Best to you all, Martha.

[Richard-Allen]

Just a quick question for you please MarthaRock, are there any plans to repeat your liver function test again in say six months or so?

[MarthaRock in reply to Richard-Allen]

HI, next bloods in 10 weeks..

[MarthaRock in reply to Richard-Allen]

Could I enquire why you asked? Thank you.

[Richard-Allen in reply to MarthaRock]

I just wanted to make sure that it wasn't just being treated as being a one off, and that everything is now fine. There are many reasons why liver enzymes levels may rise. Sometimes these can just be written off by a GP as just being a possible response to an infection.

But you say you are being seen by a consultant which would possibly mean that they still want to make sure it's not something else. Most medical diagnosis is arrived at by ruling out what it's not.

There are situations for example where a gallbladder stone can find it's way and become lodged in the bile duct. Here the bile is unable to flow from the liver, and can begin to backup. This will cause the liver enzymes to rise. This then will show up on a Liver Function Test. Then, a few weeks later, the stone can become dislodged and the bile is able to flow once more. Now all the high ALT readings once again return to normal. This whole process can be repeated time and time again, until the stone either passes by it's self or is removed. So, you can have high ALT readings one minute and then all normal the next.

There is no reasons why this should be happening in your case, and I'm merely pointing out a possibility. It looks like your consultant is looking after you and is on the case.

Hopefully all of your next set of bloods are still normal.

Good Luck

Richard

[MarthaRock in reply to Richard-Allen]

Interestingly it was my GP who 'ordered' the test and not my liver consultant. She then contacted my liver consultant as it was so high. He then repeated the test in liver clinic and we are now at the number 26. All other bloods were excellent, including all of my viral markers. I was told it could have been a 'transient'' infection that resolved itself? I was also informed by my consultant that ALT is not a blood that is generally tested in clinic unless other LFT's are abnormal?

[MarthaRock in reply to Richard-Allen]

I had my gall bladder removed when I was Transplanted?

[Richard-Allen in reply to MarthaRock]

I didn't realise you were transplanted. Sorry, should have read up your history I suppose. Well, that rules out a blocked stone. But I used that as an example. Sorry for any confusion.

[MarthaRock in reply to Richard-Allen]

Not a problem!

[MarthaRock in reply to MarthaRock]

Thanks. Will.do x

[MarthaRock in reply to Richard-Allen]

Hello Richard. All finite bloods and viral.markers have been rechecked over the past month and it would appear the highly raised bloods were a 'blip. ALT 26 consistently now after four separate bloods. Confused consultant!

[WaggyMamma]

Try looking on PubMed website. Contains research papers.