What’s going on?

[Livershy5]

Hi,

In September my ALT was 49. In March it was 69. In April it had gone up to 76. I have had no alcohol since March and have been on a good diet losing 7lbs to date. Why are my ALT’s still rising? I’m not much overweight, maybe another 4lbs to lose, and I don’t know what else to do? Anyone got any idea what’s going on?

Thank you

[AyrshireK]

Your slight increase in ALT may actually be due to your weight loss and will hopefully stabilize as time goes on.

"Weight loss was shown to be associated with improvements in liver enzymes and improvements of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, some evidence also shows that liver enzymes may transiently increase immediately after a dietary-induced weight loss."

If they were soaring out of range it would be a worry but they arn't - only moderately elevated so hopefully will all settle down as your weight does.

Katie

[Livershy5 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie, I hope so.

[Richard-Allen]

Are you by any chance taking any medication for other medical issues, or having to been using any ointments at all? I ask this because anything that is absorbed through the skin or is ingested in the body, will eventually enter and be processed by the liver at some point.

Certain drugs can be more toxic than others. This needn't be anything to worry about.

Best Wishes

Richard

[Livershy5 in reply to Richard-Allen]

Richard, that is interesting. I will ask at my next appointment. Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hi,

If the ALT remains outside of the reported reference range, you may wish to discuss a referral for an ultrasound scan for more information.

Here is a link to our publication 'Liver disease tests explained' that may be helpful;

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

[Livershy5 in reply to Hidden]

I’ve had an ultrasound test and signs of fatty liver and a cyst were found. They are keeping an eye on it but no further treatment just another blood test today. I think if the ALT result is higher again, they will have to think again, hopefully.

[Hidden in reply to Livershy5]

Have you been told you have Non-Alcohol Related Fatty liver disease (NAFLD)? If so, then you may be interested in our publication:

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) have devised guidelines with the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) that state people diagnosed with NAFLD should have further testing to assess for their risk of fibrosis- stiffening or scarring in the liver.

The specific blood tests are Fib-4 score blood test or an Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) blood test. A specific scan called a FibroScan also estimates fibrosis.

You may want to discuss this with your own GP who will be able to look up the NICE guidance.

[Livershy5 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, yes, I had read about that. Thanks for your advice, I will do.