Liver enzyme raised by one

[suzyangel]

I have had a few illnesses recently and my doctor sent me for a full blood test. The results show that an enzyme is raised by one. My doctor didn't give me any more info, but DID say it WASN'T alcohol (phew!) and that it was 'another one'. Obviously I am worried about this and wonder if anyone has any answers? P.S The illnesses were vomiting/diarreaoh, conjunctivitis and tonsillitis, all within 6 weeks.

[Bluemukka]

This happened to me last year. The doctors realised that at the time I had blood taken from me, I was suffering from an infection. This will affect the results for your liver enzymes and is nothing to worry about.

[helsbels666]

Hi suzyangel, hope you're not too worried about this. Firstly, liver enzymes are commonly raised. If you were to take 100 normal, healthy people 20% would have raised enzymes for no known cause. Drugs, including antibiotics are also a common reason to tip your enzymes over but they will return to 'normal again'.

Secondly, do you mean that the enzyme was raised by a figure 1? If this is so, in general terms this is 'normal'. We would generally wait for such enzymes to double, quadruple or even more if serious disease was present!

The other one your doctor referred to is probably either the ALP or AST, known as the transaminases. These are raised if the liver cells are a bit irritable, which they may be on occassions for no real reason (just like me!).

Hope this helps a bit

If you're really worried go back to your doc and tell him!

[helsbels666]

That should have said ALT, sorry!

[Lollyhoney]

This may be a real strange quiestion but do you drink much diet/suger free drinks? My dad had a derranged liver function tests and it's most likely caused by aspartame! Seriously, it was a hell of a shock (I'm a nurse who works in gastro so I deal with liver disease daily and I couldnt believe it!!)

If so Google aspartame and you'll be shocked what it brings up! I was!!!

[valleybikebo]

Liver Enzymes are measured on a standard scale... between this... and that.... May be the case that yours are naturally elevated slightly... Doesn't necessarily mean that there is anything wrong...

Also... some liver enzymes can be raised by other things, like bones etc...

[suzyangel]

Thanks to all who have replied, thats made me feel much better! :)