Raised liver enzymes?

[bleeny]

Hi

As I've posted before I was diagnosed with SLE in December. I've just received a letter from the rheumatologist saying that in the latest blood tests my liver enzymes were raised (they have been raised for several years but not followed up apart from an ultrasound which showed nothing abnormal) so is ordering further blood tests which seem to be for autoimmune liver disease. I am worried sick. Anyone else out there been through this please?

[PMRpro]

What medication are you on?

[bleeny in reply to PMRpro]

Hydroxychloroquine

[PMRpro in reply to bleeny]

It can cause liver problems - so if the enzymes have gone up further they would check for all causes. Don't worry - they are being careful and making sure what is what. If it is the hydroxy they will stop it, if it is something else they will treat it.

[bleeny in reply to PMRpro]

Hi

It can't be the medication as the blood test predates the meds (have only been on hydroxy for about 3 weeks). I have had raised liver enzymes on and off for about 4 years.

[PMRpro in reply to bleeny]

That's good - but they are checking. You'd have more cause to worry if they didn't. Raised liver enzymes are common in SLE.

[bleeny in reply to PMRpro]

Ok that's interesting - thanks

[ALMos98]

Hi, I am in a very similar position! My liver enzymes were 17 times what they should be just after a flare. Upon ultrasound, my liver looked normal. I am also on hydroxychloriquine and have been for years, my rheumatologist said this would not be a common side effect of the drug. My Rheumatologist checked my virology and everything was fine. She thinks that my flare caused the imbalance, so it’s something I have to monitor. If my results don’t normalise, my rheumatologist will refer me to a gastronologist. I know how scary it is - I was so worried when I got the results, but the more tests you get, the more chance you have of finding an answer. Hope this reassures you?

[PMRpro in reply to ALMos98]

It isn't a COMMON effect - but it is a POSSIBLE effect.

[ALMos98 in reply to PMRpro]

I never said it was not possible, it is definitely a good idea to check all possible causes. I was merely sharing my experience.

[PMRpro in reply to ALMos98]

And I was merely saying that your doctors may be falling into a common trap of believing because something isn't common it doesn't happen.

[bleeny in reply to ALMos98]

Thank you. Yes, I am grateful that my rheumatologist seems to be very thorough.

[sflynn84]

I just had elevated liver enzymes which prompted an ultrasound of my liver. Then I got a call saying they saw a ‘nodule’ on my liver and referral to gastroenterologist. He ordered a MRI and slew of bloodwork to check for autoimmune liver diseases and any potential liver problems. Long story short the MRI showed my liver was completely normal and all the bloodwork came back normal. What I am trying to say is don’t worry too much, the doctors are extra cautious with us.

[Dunker]

Hi yes I have had 2 ultrasounds one last sept one 6 weeks ago as I had raised liver enzymes last year scan they said poss auto immune needs following up so 7 weeks ago I had another ultrasound that had not changed from last year I thought great so I’m obviously managing this ok without any treatment consultant did a FibroScan liver flexi test which shows cirrhosis I don’t drink alcohol either! So next was a liver biopsy as all my bloods and liver function test is all normal, um don’t fancy a liver biopsy so decided to go private had appt today and he said your bloods show an auto immune antibody I think you have lupus he said so waiting for referral now