I was wondering if anyone could offer some insight (or reassurance!) into some recent results I've had. My LFT were flagged as high back in June, Dr thought it could be due to really low vitamin D levels but after a 12 week high dose course of that (which is now fine) my liver function tests are all still off the radar (GGT 482, AST 94, ALT 113 and ALP 293). They've had me back in last week for a few times for different lots of blood tests and my doctors now put me on the two week fast track referral, they did that Tuesday and I got the call from the hospital Sunday with my appointment for an ultra-sound (abdomen/liver). Dr's also said likely they'll need some biopsy's. I know its good to get things done quickly, but the speed in itself is panicking me slightly!
How worried do I need to be?! I'm 31, never smoked, relatively fit/generally healthy/well within normal weight/BMI ranges, I do drink quite a lot of alcohol but nothing too crazy or excessive... It is the GGT levels which are the worst, fatty liver perhaps? I definitely don't have the healthiest of diets and like to indulge in some of the tastier things in life!
Any input will be greatly appreciated thanks ☺️
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Stephskie2005
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Ok GGT is high and ALT, AST, ALP but latter three certain in no way 'off the radar' .......... some people especially those with some of the auto immune things go into the hundreds or even thousands). These are all liver inflammation markers so obviously something is currently attacking your liver - whether it be dietary related or indeed the booze (you can get liver issues even drinking a moderate amount of alcohol you don't need to have a crazy intake to cause your liver to grumble).
We arn't allowed to try to interpret blood results (forum rules plus none of us are qualified to do so).
I would be pleased that your doctor is so on the ball and has flagged this as urgent so they can begin to investigate, obviously the scan is the first step to see if any damage is evident, liver biopsy would be to try and establish the cause.
The good thing about the liver is it is robust, in most cases if the assault on the liver is treated or controlled then the liver can heal - maybe have a look at your diet and your alcohol intake and see if you can improve these. If the attack on the liver is stopped your liver numbers can come down and you can stop any further deterioration.
If the cause of damage isn't initially evident i.e. they rule out Non Alcohol Related fatty liver, alcohol related issues, viral things (viral hepatitis) then biopsy can look at the liver on a cellular level to see if it's something else - auto immune, genetic, etc.
You are fortunate in being fast tracked for future investigation - try and do your own bit too, if your liver is grumbling it's not liking something that's going on. Try the dietary changes, less/no booze and see if that makes a difference - it certainly wouldn't harm you to be looking after your liver even if something else is the cause of your elevated number.
Hi Katie is completely right and you have the advantage your gp is dealing with this quickly. A US scan and fibroscan should give further answers and if offered a biopsy take it to see if there is an underlying cause.
I've come to learn on here that everyones results are completely different as well as to why your LFT's are raised but further tests should give you answers.
In the mean time try to be kind to your body- see if any changes may make a difference in your next bloods.
Theres many lovely supportive people on here who will offer you support and advice. I'm still in the unknown stage if investigation so I wont be as helpful but best if luck and keep us informed!
My GP was very quick started off with a 10-year sliding decline in platelets, then blood test then those readings around 2019 went through the roof, then my, tumour marker was through the roof, then it was twice yearly Ultrasound, the fibroscan all this was happening during later lockdown very quickly, now I get a call from Liver Specialist few times per year. My Liver has been on the decline for years. My Fibroscan was 39 very high. So now waiting for Beta Blockers to ease pressure in Portal Hypertension. Don't worry, pay attention even if you rarely drink, like me you may have had a bad liver ticking away. It can just be bad luck. so, live better and listen carefully.
HelloI too was fast tracked by my Dr. After having many high readings of blood results by my Rheumatologist!
I had my biopsy in August
& have yet to get results!
I have seen my Dr or spoken to him on 3 occasions since then. It is autoimmune that I am dealing with & am not worried at this point as I feel better that I have for years & have no outward signs of Liver damage. I do know there is fatty liver, & all that can branch off from that.
I am seeing my rheumatologist end of month & will discuss with him the on my Annual visit Autoimmune side of things.
I have no follow up with consultant re fatty Liver & what it has lead too.
He did ask when I went in to have biopsy as to did I know where this could lead to. I did & he asked me where which I told him, he agreed & asked if I was ready to sign consent forms! Yes I was & did sign. This concerned me after the biopsy as never have I been asked to sign to let them proceed
Hope this has been helpful
Just remember everyone is different. Good luck x
ps I do not drink or smoke
& threw this forum learn & put into action, no salt or supplements
Hi you are very lucky your gp is on the ball, blood results in isolation are meaningless, there’s more tests to be done before a diagnosis can be made. Meanwhile there’s things you can do, look after your liver, increase your exercise, avoid processed food and alcohol, eat a good well balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids ( aim for 2.5/3 litres a day, any alcohol can not be included!) avoid herbal remedies and over the counter medications. You can ask your GP to refer you to the community dietitian, if you find the diet tricky, you can also speak to the liver trust nurses( they are brilliant) . If you google “ nhs liver diet “ and look at one of the transplant units eg Kings College or The Royal Free, you should be able to find information that will help you. Good luck and focus on taking care of your liver health
Your LFTs are in no way "off the radar". They indicate that your liver is inflamed, and be very grateful that you had this indication that you should seek out the source. Glad to hear that you are doing so!
Now you need to do your part. It's up to you, because no one else can do this for you. STOP DRINKING!!!! Don't just cut back. Completely stop. Then redo the labs. I would bet my last dollar that the GGT will come down, as well as the liver enzyme values. This is your wake-up call; please don't waste it. Take it from me.
Had my scan on Sunday and they are referring me for some more scans and to be seen by a specialist. The doctors said the scan likely indicates a blockage in my extra-hepatic bile duct as this was dilated which could explain the high levels of GGT in my blood (said the fatty liver would also contribute to this but that it was very mild so they wouldn’t expect the figures to be as they were) but that it will be further investigated. They’ve put the referral through though as suspected upper GI cancer and suspected pancreatic cancer, which makes me nervous, fingers crossed it’s not…!
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