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?
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.
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.
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. Ghulam Fareed
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
I have delay in menses with a history of steroids for autoimmune hepatitis. Please suggest.
Alternative medicine: Benefits Vs. Risks
Altitude-Related Disorder - Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Is it fine to take Prednisone and Azathioprine for autoimmune hepatitis?
Asthma and Its Rising Incidence
Asthma in Cold Weather - Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.