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How to treat autoimmune hepatitis with raised ALT and AST levels?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 6, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 9, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My mom was diagnosed by chance with the liver disease about three months ago when she did some routine blood tests. Her values then were:

ALT = 157 U/L.

AST = 106 U/L.

ALP = 727 U/L.

GGT = 575 U/L.

She had ultrasound and CT tests, but nothing wrong showed up with her liver at all. She had and has no symptoms. However, she was said to have autoimmune hepatitis. So she got treatment: with Ursodeoxycholic acid and other liver supplements, like Liv. Also, she started a healthy diet (no salt, no fat, no fries).

After a few weeks (about two weeks later), she repeated the blood tests, and the values were much smaller:

ALT = 49 U/L.

AST = 37 U/L.

ALP = 440 U/L.

GGT = 285 U/L.

We were very happy, and she continued the treatment. Now, after three months, she repeated the tests, but the values were a little strange:

ALT = 61 U/L.

AST = 41 U/L.

ALP = 339 U/L.

GGT = 195 U/L.

ALT and AST raised, while ALP and GGT dropped just a little. What could be the cause for these? We are so worried. Are there reasons for severe concern?

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I am reviewing your case history in detail and will get back to you shortly.

Thanks and take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

She does not drink alcohol at all. She never did. Also, the tests for hepatitis B and C were negative. The doctor said that it is likely to be autoimmune hepatitis. Unfortunately, I cannot send you the CT images because I do not have them. But I can tell you what the doctor wrote on the diagnosis paper. He wrote:

1. Metabolically normal hepatic steatosis (although, when he did the ultrasound, he said the liver was normal).

2. Chronic hepatopathy of unknown etiology.

He did not write ‘autoimmune hepatitis,’ but he said it is likely to be. I can send you all the blood tests.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I have reviewed the attached reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). For autoimmune hepatitis or primary biliary cirrhosis, the recommended tests are

1) Autoimmune profile - ANA (antinuclear antibody), ASMA (anti-smooth muscle antibody), ASLA (activated seven lupus anticoagulant), and anti-LKM1 antibodies (anti-liver kidney microsomal antibody type 1).

2) Primary biliary cirrhosis (AMA anti-mitochondrial antibody).

Continue with Ursodeoxycholic acid and get the above tests done if possible.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ghulam Fareed
Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Medical Gastroenterology

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