What could cause inflammation in the liver?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had an ultrasound of the liver that resulted in a red fatty change with coarsened echotexture without a focal lesion identified. I also had a hectic function panel done, and everything was normal except for the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which was 62 U/L, supposed to be under 41 U/L. I also had alkaline phosphatase 141 U/L, which was supposed to be under 123 U/L.

What does that mean? I was confused when I read it.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your short history and attached report (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

I have a few more questions to ask,

1) What are your body weight and height or if you know your BMI (basal metabolic index)?

2) Do you have a history of alcohol consumption? If yes, how much?

3) Have you ever checked for hepatitis B and C?

4) In the detailed report, do they mention any values having unit kPa or CAP (community acquried pneumonia)?

To answer your question, raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) means there is some inflammation in your liver, which is not acute. This might be there for many years, leading to changes within your liver.

This needs to be evaluated completely and treated to reduce liver inflammation and prevent changes that are caused within your liver.

The above questions were for evaluation of the underlying cause.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

As per your height, five feet two inches, and weight of 199 pounds, your BMI (basal metabolic index) is 36.

You are in grade II obesity which can explain your fatty liver and ongoing inflammation within your liver.

My suggestions will be,

1) Lifestyle modifications,such as you need regular exercise and weight reduction, a low carbohydrate and low-fat diet, minimum of 10% body weight reduction can cause some improvement in your liver inflammation.

2) There is no specific drug for fatty liver (no drug has been approved by FDA yet) but.

3) Vitamin E (Evion) 400 mg twice daily in the morning and evening after meals for four to six weeks can reduce liver inflammation.

This inflammation of raised alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) will be back soon after you stop vitamin E, when you are not reducing your weight, not cutting down your carbohydrate and a fatty diet.

4) Target for weight reduction. You have to reduce by 10 % minimum in three to six months.

5) Long-standing fatty liver can damage the liver and causes cirrhosis.

You should follow the above steps to avoid such complications.

Thank you.