Crohn's & liver issues

[CJC]

Diagnosed with Crohn's in 2003; current meds Asacol, 6MP. About 6 mos. ago liver enzymes elevated; specialist prescribed 20 mg prednisone to reduce liver inflammation but I couldn't tolerate it or CellCept so I'm now down to 10. Waiting for 2nd biopsy results - screening for autoimmune hepatitis (clear of all virals), medicine-induced liver disease, and medicine toxicity. Has anyone else developed liver issues related to Crohn's?
Crohn's was actually in remission as of last colonoscopy (Oct. 2010) but my liver seems to be jealous.

 

[Dexky]

Hey CJ, I'm afraid this may be overlooked in the Success Stories section. My son was diagnosed with PSC shortly after his crohns diagnosis. His liver enzymes were raised from the beginning of crohns investigations so I don't think his issues are med related. I do fear that the crohns meds exacerbate his liver issues however. It's a hell of a choice to make, but we stick with the GI recommendations and monitor his liver closely.

 

[lookame]

6mp can cause liver and renal failure. It's possible that it's the 6mp causing your raised enzyme

 

[CJC]

Thanks to you both! I didn't want to post in "My Story", but the site registration required me to, and then wanted my "Success Story". Well I AM still in remission as far as I know, but now dealing with these other issues.

 

[xJillx]

Hi and welcome! I am happy to hear you are in remission, but sorry to hear about your issues with your liver. As Melissa said, it could be caused by the 6mp. Being that the pred didn't help, what is your next step to address this? I sure whatever it is, your levels come down. Crossing my fingers for ya.

 

[CJC]

Thanks, Jill. Should have 2nd biposy results this week; hepatologist didn't like the 1st sample done by a different doctor in November so he took another. Then we'll discuss where we go from here. I'd "prefer" medicine toxicity from the 6MP to anything that involves more prednisone. I'd also prefer not to have another liver biposy!

 

[CJC]

Good news - liver biopsy results show no 6MP toxicity, minimal inflammation, no fibrosis/scarring, no major liver, muscle, or heart damage. The hepatologist (at Johns Hopkins) believes that the 6MP is really helping keep the Crohn's in check, and thankfully, he is now weaning me off the prednisone and reduced blood draws to one/month rather than every two weeks. Yay!

 

[Dexky]

Awesome CJ! We like good news around here!