Usually post on Crohn's, looking for advice. Sky High AST and ALT

Hi All,

I usually post on the Crohn's board. I went to the ER on Monday with a bowel obstruction. Of course they ran blood work before they did anything and to every one's surprise my Liver panels were off the charts. I didn't get all the numbers, but the AST and ALT were 25 to 30 times normal. I have tended to be 1 to 2 times normal, then my panels go back within range at the next test (I get blood work every 3 months). To be this high after being tested 2 months ago was shocking. The Hep panels came back negative for A, B, and C, so that is good. But my doctor and I have no idea what might be going on. I will be having some repeat blood work tomorrow. I can't find any information on the internet about levels as high as mine. The most I can find is 4 or 5 times normal. To say I am a bit freaked out is an understatement.

I am really tired, have a headache and generally just don't feel well. All things that can/could be explained away by a bowel obstruction (finally cleared). I am always achy due to joint issues. I had a cold with a cough that I can't seem to shake. These are all things that they asked me about. I am not sure if any of them have to do with my liver or if they are just incidental. I just don't have any information.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what I should be watching for, questions I should be asking, ideas as to why my tests are so high, treatments I should be asking about, anything I haven't thought of?

Hi Zanne,

There are some forms of poisoning that can cause way high liver functions...tylenol for example, and maybe copper, though not sure of that one. And Iron I think. Have you taken a bunch of tylenol for some reason? Likley not with chrones. But maybe one of your meds?

Good they are running lots of tests.

Or auto immune hepatitis?

We'll be anxious to hear what this is all about.

Hugs,

Carol

I haven't taken any new medications or in any new amounts, so I don't think its from a toxicity from something I took. I have wondered about AIH too. I will be having my new blood work this morning, should have results this afternoon, so I will have a bit more information.Would my levels be 30 times normal with AIH. That is what is concerning to me. I can find no reference on the internet to anyone who's levels were that high and the end diagnosis. I will ask about these other tests and a referral to a hepatologist. Thanks.

Had repeat blood work today. AST is back to normal. ALT is back down to 400ish, so down 1000. My GI ran ASM but the results aren't in yet. Also my Ferritin level is fine. At this point he is stumped. Has ruled out AIH. Repeat bloods next Thursday. We are still waiting on a few other blood tests that aren't in yet too. I will get all of those after next Thursdays tests. If he is still stumped after that, I will be seeking a Hepatologist's opinion. I am almost more freaked out that the numbers are just jumping around and the doctors are all just confused.

Thank you all for your help.

Zanne,

I know of a couple of people whose ALT/AST were in the 5000 range and one who was in the 10000 range...so yes, 30 times is quite possible.

On what result did your doctor "rule out AIH"?  You should try to not stress out too much but AIH is a serious illness if left untreated.  Luckily, you are on the meds you would need to be on if you are diagnosed with AIH but they'd have to increase your pred till your numbers are stable and normal.  I would request a referral to a hepatologist.  At this point, I can't imagine anyone ruling out AIH without a biopsy or, at minimum, further antibody tests (which are negative in some AIHers - that's why the biopsy is most important).  Your ALT is still too high.  What's your bilirubin level?