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Alkaline Phosphatase elevated

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 9/22/2016 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Looking to see if anyone might have an idea of what is going on, or has had a similar experience.

My alkaline phosphatase levels continue to read high. My most recent reading was 192. Up from 185 taken early this month. It seems to continue to increase; however, all of my other liver enzymes are down and normal (GGT, ALT, AST). All these markers are normal. So, if Alkaline Phosphatase is high, and GGT is normal, that means liver function should be normal.

I have been on remicade for around 15 years, so a long time. And this marker has never been high. I've read that since my GGT is not elevated and is normal, I could have bone disease. I'm obviously in process of talking to a doctor, I am just wondering if anyone has experience with this.

Thank you for response.

Chris
Posted 9/22/2016 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Is your GI the one that ordered the blood test? Is your GI aware of the rising alk phos?

I have PSC, primary sclerosing cholingitis. It is a rare liver disease but most common in UC and Crohns patients. I don't remember seeing GGT on my blood tests. My alk phos was creeping up and my GI ordered an MRCP/MRI right away. She works only with IBD patients so knowing my history her first thought was NAFL or PSC. Unfortunately she was right and it was PSC. Since I was diagnosed all my liver numbers are normal, bili, AST, ALT, but my alk phos is sometimes elevated. I don't think GGT was ever ordered for me, possibly because they had the confirmation from the MRCP?

In the PSC support group I know many track the elevation of both GGT and alk phos.

Hopefully someone else has more experience with the GGT in relation to alk phos. I hope they get you some additional tests right away so you figure out what is going on!
Posted 9/22/2016 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi cupcakegal.


Thank you for your response. Yes it was my GI who ordered the test and he is aware of my rising levels. I think I will call them back tomorrow and ask if we can do one of these MRI'd just to make sure. Is this procedure somethig thy takes a long time? Can it be completed in a day?

I don't have the bloodwork in front of me, but he did order some other tests done on my blood besides the GGT which all came back normal.

I get the feeling this GI I have does not have much experience with this. So you're saying all your other liver markers show up as normal except for your alkaline phosphatase?
Posted 9/23/2016 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, all my other liver numbers are normal except alk phos. And since my surgery it has dropped and has actually been in the normal range my last 2 blood draws.

Yes, the MRI can be done pretty easy and be completed in an afternoon. I think my GI called me about my blood on a Thurs or Friday and had me schedule the following Tuesday. The MRI took about 45-50 minutes and I had the results by the next day. Only prep was to not eat or drink 2 hours prior. Mine is very early and not progressed much so I think that's why my liver numbers aren't that affected yet.

PSC is rare so a lot of doctors aren't too familiar with it but I think something like 70% of PSC patients have IBD so it something GIs should be aware of. As soon as I was diagnosed my GI sent me to a hepatologist for further tests and to follow my case.

I would definitely ask about the MRI since you have Crohns. We are at elevated risk for NAFL and PSC so in most cases I think it is a logical next step.
Posted 9/23/2016 2:42 AM (GMT 0)

cupcakespinkgal said...
Yes, all my other liver numbers are normal except alk phos. And since my surgery it has dropped and has actually been in the normal range my last 2 blood draws.

Yes, the MRI can be done pretty easy and be completed in an afternoon. I think my GI called me about my blood on a Thurs or Friday and had me schedule the following Tuesday. The MRI took about 45-50 minutes and I had the results by the next day. Only prep was to not eat or drink 2 hours prior. Mine is very early and not progressed much so I think that's why my liver numbers aren't that affected yet.

PSC is rare so a lot of doctors aren't too familiar with it but I think something like 70% of PSC patients have IBD so it something GIs should be aware of. As soon as I was diagnosed my GI sent me to a hepatologist for further tests and to follow my case.

I would definitely ask about the MRI since you have Crohns. We are at elevated risk for NAFL and PSC so in most cases I think it is a logical next step.


Thank you cupcake. That's why I love these forums.

Just curious. What were you alkaline phosphatase levels reading when they were high?
Posted 9/23/2016 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
My highest was 166.
Posted 10/8/2016 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
I had an mri done on my liver 2 days ago. Results came back clean. There is nothing te wrong with my liver at least.

My alkaline phosphatase is still elevated though, and from what I have researched, that means I may have some bone issues.

I haven't really eaten dairy the past couple years and I can't remember the last time I drank milk. Not sure if that has anything to do with it.

I will have to make an appointment with my primary next week.
Posted 10/8/2016 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
I'm glad you don't have any liver issues that is great news! Liver disease is scarier than Crohns in my opinion.

I don't know anything about bone disease so hopefully you get some additional answers. At least you got it half figured out and can have peace of mind about your liver.
Posted 10/8/2016 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks cupcake girl. I was bracing for the worst and its relieving to know my liver is in good shape.
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