liver damage?

[Chopin002]

hello, I am wondering if anyone has liver damage from pred alone. My alt numbers 133 instead of under 36. Getting more testing. Pred is my only med.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Corticosteroids can lead to mildly elevated liver enzymes without any liver pathology - they usually do an ultrasound scan to check that.

It is possibly a sign your PMR is flaring - ALT can be raised with PMR. However, the most common cause of raised ALT is fatty liver disease - weight loss and cutting carbs often helps the non-alcoholic variety.

[piglette]

There are several reasons why there may be liver damage. Has your doctor made any suggestions?

[Pixix]

To you, & PMR Pro & everybody else, please…mine a little different from you, but still in the liver profile tests. My ALP is currently 143 and should be a low number. I was requested to talk to a clinician. Although it’s a liver test, ALP can also refer to issues with bones, which is something I have. It can be Pagetsdisease. I mention this as I thought ALP & ALT referred specifically to your liver! Any comments, please? I would be interested in any answers! The nurse said my Dr had reviewed my results & was satisfied. (So why, then, did it say I should speak to a clinician?) Also the first appointment I had was cancelled by the nurse, but I wasn’t informed…she palmed it off to a dispensary assistant, who had no ideas! Fortunately, somebody trained phoned me back the next day, but it left me wondering if it’s ‘something’ or ‘nothing’! Thanks for any assistance, I didn’t raise it here because I thought it was unconnected to PMR. Currently on 2mg pred. Thanks, S x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

Sounds like a left hand, right hand, no hands situation! Usually the "not concerned" response is expressed because although a value is out of line, there is no supporting evidence for concern or it fits with current diagnoses or suspicions.

And actually - someone's concerns about strange test result that worries them does have a connection to their PMR story.

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

I agree! Also, if it does relate to problems with bones, then I wonder if I should have a dexa scan. I’ve never had one. But I am having an ultrasound of both feet next feet, that’s bones! And I do have OA in lots of places! And the muscles which attach to my hip bones are growing bones…ossification. Yes, I think what you said is correct in my case…it fits with current diagnoses & suspicions!! Thanks, S x

[Chopin002]

Thanks for the reply’s. I see rheumatologist this week. Just nervous about the number. I find it strange as my diet is healthy, my weight is normal, do not drink alcohol, and down to 2 pred. I see cancer as a possibility when reading. Probably the 5 years of pred though. Wanted info before my appointment.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Chopin002]

That is the trouble with google - it presents all the very unlikely worst case scenarios and you do need a bit of background to see the wood for the trees! Worry about it when it happens as it probably won't.

[Chopin002 in reply to PMRpro]

Ok, I am a bit of a worry wort, but my mom died of liver cancer about 35 years ago. Prepared for the worst so anything else is good news. You are correct about google for sure . Just looked at the pagetsdisease. That’s not it.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Chopin002]

Liver cancer these days is a whole new world - caught reasonably early it can be cured. But I do get where you are coming from.

[Chopin002]

you’re awesome