Liver function tests.

Hi All, hoping you may have some advice on the following.

I have been on Doxycycline 200mg BID for about 60 days now. Today I got the results of a set tests done to monitor my liver and kidney function. All were normal with the exception of my ALT which has jumped to 89. Normal is considered less than 45. Three previous ALT levels prior to going on abx over the course of the year before ranged 21 -37.

Because it is an isolated result the doctors opinion was to maintain the doxy and retest in 4 weeks. Btw I have had normal LTF's and a normal abdominal ultrasound prior to this although I do suffer from RHS upper abdominal pain intermittantly.

This said I also have raised antismooth muscle antibody titre, currently 1:160, previously between 80 and 320. The rest of the ANA/ ENA panel was negative.

My limited research suggests ALT is indicative specifically of hepatic damage/ inflammation however is quite variable. The results seem to suggest to me that it is the Doxy that is responsible, normal before now elevated, although perhaps it is a response to bacterial die off. What do you think? Should I be concerned?

Can someone also please elaborate on how I should be talking milk thistle? I have been taking 175- 350 mg/ day along with 200mg/d of alpha lipoic acid to support my liver. I now understand that regular use of milk thistle can stop the production of certain liver enzymes allowing toxins to accumulate in my body.

Thanks, Hugh

AG,

Thanks for your thoughts.

I also posted on the hep forum. Their take on the milk thistle was not positive largely because it is an unregulated supplement which may contain things other than the herb! I have also heard that its not good to take continuously becasue of the down regulation of enzyme pathways dealing with toxins; its ok to give your liver a break but not recommended full time, which was news to me! Anyway my liver enzyme is high so I guess that doesnt count for me!

Hugh