Elevated Alanine transaminase (ALT)

[Jimbo1968]

I'm awaiting diagnosis, according to an mri I may have Crohns in my upper small bowel. I've had an endoscopy and colonoscopy, I'm awaiting the results of that but I've already been told I have some shallow ulcers in duodenum.
Anyway I've been having GI problems since the end of August and had many blood tests , however the ALT from the last two tests has been elevated (113) even though in 3 bloods before that it was ok while I was has G.I problems. Has anyone else had this and if so will it return to normal once Crohns gets under control. ???
This has made me worry about my liver even though I've had a Ultrasound , CT & MRI (beginning of January) and only thing shows is harmless simple cysts (heamogeomas). Any advice would be appreciated .

 

[ronroush7]

There is a post here within the last 24 hours entitled Is there a link between Crohn's and elevated liver enzymes? It is here within General IBD Discussion. It may be of some help. I am not sure.

 

[Scipio]

ALT is a liver enzyme, and elevation usually indicates some sort of disease or other stress on the liver. Common causes are hepatitis and excessive alcohol intake, but several drugs can cause it too. Are you taking any drugs for your suspected Crohn's? Some over the counter drugs can also stress the liver - excessive Tylenol (acetaminophin) for example.

 

[my little penguin]

Also antibiotics can raise levels .
When Ds had an ear infection his numbers went up just from the antibiotics and nothing to do with his crohns

Can you ask your Gi about your concerns ?

 

[Ian_H]

I have had elevated liver values while on Imuran. They always vary each test. Sometimes normal sometimes high. I was told by my GI that elevated levels can be normal for GI problems especially when taking medicine for it. He said only to worry if I have high values for multiple separate blood tests, or a value that is super high in general. Thats how it works for me!

 

[Jimbo1968]

Hello all I've now had elevated ALT tests twice within a couple of days of each other the first was 113 and 2nd was 99. the only medication im on is Citalopram 10mg, Propranolol 40mg, Vit D3 5000iu, Magnesium 200mg , Vitamin B12. its concerned me a bit with this recent development. I haven't drunk anything since September and ALT was ok after this point, its only happened in the last few weeks whatever it is. like I said ive had an mri very recent and a ct done end of November. and ultrasound done in September.

 

[Ian_H]

Are you able to talk to your doc about the results? If so what did he say?

 

[Jimbo1968]

Are you able to talk to your doc about the results? If so what did he say?

I spoke to gastroenterologist yesterday. he didn't seem concerned but he is repeating many of the blood tests ive had done again. he described it as mildy elevated

 

[ronroush7]

Best to you.