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There is a wide variety of causes for elevated liver enzymes (commonly, although incorrectly, called liver function tests, or LFTs). Elevated LFTs can only be interpreted in the context of a full clinical history -- that means that only a trained health care provider can determine the underlying cause of elevated LFTs in a particular individual. An important fact to remember is that while lab results (eg, elevated LFTs) are important in medicine, lab results alone are very infrequently diagnostic of a particular condition. When analyzed by trained personnel, they aid tremendously in reaching a diagnosis, but they absolutely never replace a proper clinical history. That means that for us patients, we cannot expect solid answers to questions like "why do I have elevated LFTs?" unless we ask our physicians. The only thing we can gain from asking perfect strangers questions like this is that we get a better understanding for what the tests mean and why they must be interpreted in such a way. Hopefully I can help illustrate this. The major liver enzymes measured in an LFT analysis are serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). ALT and AST are markers of injury to liver cells, while ALP is a marker of injury to the system of bile ducts that drain bile from the liver (also called the biliary tree). Liver and biliary tree damage are the most common causes of elevated LFTs, although other seemingly unrelated conditions can cause elevated LFTs as well. For example, hypothyroidism can cause elevated LFTs for unknown reasons. Viral and alcoholic hepatitis are among the most common causes of liver injury; these result in elevated LFTs, with ALT and AST being elevated to a greater degree than ALP. There are many other conditions that cause a similar elevation in LFTs; this underscores the importance of evaluating high LFTs in the proper clinical context (ie, with your physician). Elevated LFTs with a predominant rise in ALP is suggestive of damage or obstruction of the biliary tree (which disrupts the flow of bile out of the liver, called cholestasis). There are a number of conditions that can cause this, including a stone in the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis), cancer of the head of the pancreas, primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and many others. The preceding list isn't meant to frighten you; it's merely to illustrate the wide variety of causes of cholestasis. On the other hand, one's LFTs may be elevated without any clinical significance. Yes, this is yet another reason to have one's test results evaluated by a physician. Again, it's absolutely fine -- indeed, it's preferred! -- that you ask these sorts of questions to your physician. Only she is able to answer your question adequately, with a strong understanding of your clinical presentation, past medical history, social history, etc.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThe most common causes of chronic liver failure (where the liver fails over months to years) include:
* Long term alcohol consumption
* Cirrhosis
* Hemochromatosis (an inherited disorder that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron)
* Malnutrition
The causes of acute liver failure, when the liver fails rapidly, however, are often different. These include:
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose.
* Viruses including hepatitis A, B, and C (especially in children).
* Reactions to certain prescription and herbal medications.
* Ingestion of poisonous wild mushrooms.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoI assume you are asking what can cause high liver enzymes. There are several things and some of the more common ones are:
To much Tylenol
Drug use / overdose
Hepatitis
Mono
Cirrosis of the liver
being overweight
Cyst on the liver
When you have high liver enzymes you really need to take all other symptoms / circumstances into account and do further testing from there.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThe most common cause is alcohol abuse/dependence. Hepatitis A,B and C are also causes. There are many other causes, as well.
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What are the causes of elevated ALT in dogs?
An elevated ALT level in dogs can be a sign of liver disease. It can be caused by a number of different toxins in the liver and something as simple as a poor dog food can cause elevated levels.
Elevated levels of which test may indicate gallstones or liver problems?
Bilirubin
Can elevated uric acid levels be the cause of an enlarged liver?
some how it cause.
When are Bilirubin levels highest?
Bilirubin levels are most often elevated in patients with liver disease or a blockage to bile flow
What does high CGT blood test mean?
What causes elevated GGT related to liver
What is the problem with elevated liver enzymes?
Elevated liver enzymes, often detected through a blood test, indicate potential liver damage or inflammation. The liver produces enzymes as part of its normal function, but when the liver is injured or inflamed, it releases higher amounts of these enzymes into the bloodstream. The most common liver enzymes measured in a blood test are alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Potential causes of elevated liver enzymes include: Liver Diseases: Conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis can lead to increased enzyme levels. Medications: Certain drugs and medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers, can affect the liver and cause enzyme elevation. Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can lead to liver inflammation and elevated enzymes. Infections: Viral infections, particularly hepatitis viruses, can impact the liver and result in elevated enzyme levels. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the immune system mistakenly targets the liver can cause inflammation and elevated enzymes. Metabolic Conditions: Conditions like hemochromatosis or Wilson's disease can affect the liver and lead to enzyme elevation. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Accumulation of fat in the liver, unrelated to alcohol consumption, can cause elevated enzymes.
How can elevated SGPT be cured?
SGPT is released into the blood when the heart or liver is damaged. Some issues that cause elevated SGPT levels are viral hepatitis, diabetes, congestive heart failure, liver damage, bile duct problems, infectious mononucleosis, or myopathy. To cure the elevated SGPT levels, the underlying cause needs to be determined and treated or cured.
What causes elevated liver enzymes during pregnancy?
HELLP syndrome is a condition during pregnancy that includes elevated liver enzymes.
Can heat exhaustion cause elevated liver enzymes?
No, dehydration cannot cause elevated liver enzymes. Vitamin deficiency and damage to liver can cause the enzymes of the liver to be elevated.
What conditions elevate ALT and AST?
ALT and AST can be elevated in many diseases, but are indicators of the health of the liver. If they are both elevated then there is something going on with the liver, but without more information, or without knowing their numbers I wouldn't be able to give a reliable diagnosis. Some of the causes of elevated ALT and AST are: alcoholism, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and some blood disorders, but there are many more.
What causes some acids to be more acidic?
Elevated levels of Hydrogen Ions, which makes it have a low pH.
How is Reye's syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves blood tests to determine the levels of certain liver enzymes, which are highly elevated in Reye's syndrome.
