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Posted 3/10/2008 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
I have been reading this forum for a very long time but this is my first post. I am currently 3 years into UC and doing better now then I have in a very long while. I say that with incredible gratefulness. I recently saw my GI and my liver enzymes have been creeping up slightly with every blood test I've had over the past year. We are pursuing an ultrasound of the liver, also blood work. The hepatitis profile was negative but the antinuclear (an auto-immune indicator) was slightly elevated...but not enough to be positive. I am very concerned even with the docs assurance not to worry. Is this a response anyone else has experience? Does the very presence of UC create elevated enzymes, is it the meds (colazol or imuran), is there something else lurking??? These are the questions whirling about my mind. I'd appreciate any insight.
Posted 3/10/2008 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
Slimcook,

I have elevated liver enzymes a few times a year but it has been from the 6-mp (similar to imuran).... My GI tells me to take a 3-5 vacation from taking 6-mp and then to start taking it again.... my lfts come back to normal range after the vacation.

--Keith
Posted 3/10/2008 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Do you mean 3-5 days?
Posted 3/10/2008 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
sorry about that.... yes, 3-5 days and then I restart the 6-mp. I have had to do this on 3 seperate occasions on my GI's advice.

--Keith
Posted 3/12/2008 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
I am fairly new to all of this- I was just diagnosed this past summer, Aug07, and after initially getting scared by the information I found online, I decided to join a forum like this one. I don't think I really understand what the possible long-term effects of taking meds like Asacol or Lialda can have on the liver? can someone explain that or let me know of a site that explains that more? thanks...

Lori

complete remission
2 Lialda daily
Posted 3/14/2008 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
If not drug related the concern with high lft's and UC is a disease that is associated with UC... primary sclerosing cholangitis. Have you discussed this with your GI Dr.? What are the liver #'s?
Posted 3/14/2008 2:48 AM (GMT 0)

slimcook said...
I have been reading this forum for a very long time but this is my first post. I am currently 3 years into UC and doing better now then I have in a very long while. I say that with incredible gratefulness. I recently saw my GI and my liver enzymes have been creeping up slightly with every blood test I've had over the past year. We are pursuing an ultrasound of the liver, also blood work. The hepatitis profile was negative but the antinuclear (an auto-immune indicator) was slightly elevated...but not enough to be positive. I am very concerned even with the docs assurance not to worry. Is this a response anyone else has experience? Does the very presence of UC create elevated enzymes, is it the meds (colazol or imuran), is there something else lurking??? These are the questions whirling about my mind. I'd appreciate any insight.

The ultrasound is to see if there is any inflamation in the area. Specifically they are probably trying to see if they can tell if the common bile duct is abnormal or constricted. If so, potentially PSC is an issue. They may also suggest an ERCP, MRCP or Liver biopsy to get a more definitive answer.
Posted 3/14/2008 5:40 AM (GMT 0)

Hi slimcook....Aside from PSC (can be UC-related), it could be PBC..Primary Biliary Cirrhosis..which would show up on the AMA (Antimitochondrial Antibody) test.
Did the doc also do tests for Creatinine, ALT/SCPT, AST?SGOT, ALK Phos, GAMMA GT and total Bilirubin? If so, what were your numbers?

If the doc suggests an ERCP or liver biopsy...I would strongly suggest you forgo them initially and request the MRCP and a host of all the pertinent liver-related / marker blood tests.

as well, it might be the Imuran that's causing some of the increase in numbers...your doc could take you off it or lower the dosage to see if that helps.

It's great you had the ultrasound done...when do you get your results?

It all can sound scary....do your homework and have questions ready for your doc as to what he may be suspecting and what his plans are from there.

This is an excellent site to bookmark.....

http://www.labtestsonline.org/

Keep us updated.
quincy

Posted 3/14/2008 5:46 AM (GMT 0)
Lori....5ASA meds can elevate liver enzymes as well as kidney enzymes..although not in everyone. You doc should be doing blood tests at least once or twice a year..(the ones I listed above as well as Urea and Creatinine).

Check out the site I posted above...labtests....

As well...get copies of all your test results you have done.

5ASA meds has a great track record. I've used the for over 19 years..so far so good.

quincy
Posted 3/14/2008 11:11 AM (GMT 0)
Funny I have NEVER had a blood test. I wonder why?

Posted 3/14/2008 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Scary....ask your GI as to why. Does your primary doc do blood tests?

q
Posted 3/16/2008 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks all for your response. I had the abdominal US on Friday and expect to get the results tomorrow. I am not exactly sure of the numbers, but have a hepatic functions panel, a cbc w/diff and GGT every 6-8 weeks. I did not get copies, only know that my liver enzymes are creeping upward and everything else is normal. What is a MRCP?
Posted 3/16/2008 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
MRCP is an MRI of the liver and abdomen.

You should get copies of your test results..I didn't start doing so until a few years ago. I also bought the cd copy of my MRCP from the hospital...very interesting.

Let us know the results of the US for sure....please.
quincy
Posted 3/17/2008 2:58 AM (GMT 0)

ks1905 said...
Slimcook,

I have elevated liver enzymes a few times a year but it has been from the 6-mp (similar to imuran).... My GI tells me to take a 3-5 vacation from taking 6-mp and then to start taking it again.... my lfts come back to normal range after the vacation.

--Keith

hello Keith.   Have a question re: this 3-5 day vacation from 6mp.   Does it affect your UC at all by doing this?  I have always been told not to stop your UC meds,  would cause a flare.  Do you get any increase in sxs?  or is it built up enough in your body to keep you ok?   I ask this because I also have elevated liver enzymes,  and my doc says it is stable,  but we check it all the time,  and think its possibly the meds. 
Posted 3/18/2008 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
I got the results of my abdominal ultrasound yesterday and they are unremarkable. I spoke with the GI and his remark was that it "bears watching" but is not suggesting further testing at this point other than regular labs. I feel relieved that there was nothing noted but can't help but continue to wonder "why" the liver enzymes are elevated and even more so the AMA. I questioned the AMA as an early indicator of liver disease and he did not feel that my labs at this time warrant concern.
Posted 3/18/2008 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
It's sometimes good for us to be "unremarkable"...lol!
Sounds as though the doc is checking you as needed...that's how the process went with me.

How are you feeling about it?

quincy
Posted 3/19/2008 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Because of my past history with this Doc I trust his call. I was just getting to the point where I was relaxing and the blood test were almost rituals...that will feel different now, I think. I need to be thankful for the "unremarkable" and not focus on the other things...as is my tendency. Thanks for your support.
Posted 3/24/2008 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I have been on 6mp 75mg a day for the past 6 months and my liver enzymes alt and ast are elevated 3 times normal (alk phos is normal).  My dr reduced my dose to 50mg and levels are still creeping up. then he made me stop all of my natural remedies (primal defense, slippery elm, marshmallow root and l-glutamine) and now I am waiting to check liver enzymes again.  He told me he would take me off the drug if levels still elevated and may not be due to dose but rather the meds themselves...  was wondering if azathiaprine would cause the same liver stuff?  Does anyone know.  I have been sooooo good and I have 2 young kids and don't want to flare!!!!  This drug has been a god send for me!!!!  Help! 

Posted 3/24/2008 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, oops I forgot to change my profile...
Posted 3/24/2008 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
Any of our meds can cause liver enzyme increases. unfortunately. Especially those that are systemic because they will be processed through the liver initially.

quincy
Posted 3/25/2008 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah my bloodwork was normal in oct and now the only thing i am on is 6mp and salofalk rectally. I am praying that it is not the first indication of liver disease. Does anyone have psc?
Posted 3/25/2008 8:58 AM (GMT 0)
I have it...visually via an MRCP (liver/abdominal MRI)...but my blood marker tests say I have PBC...Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.

Maybe one can have both?...why not..sigh.

I'm on URSO forever.

q
Posted 3/25/2008 11:25 AM (GMT 0)
wow, why can't they narrow down the dx? Or does it matter in terms of management? I am hoping that my liver problems are drug related or related to my herbal meds. I am really tired of this disease....may opt for colectomy instead of some other terrible cancer causing drug... I need to be functional for my kids sake, not scoping out the toilets everywhere I go. My GI doesn't get the whole family piece, just annoying...
Posted 3/25/2008 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
The treatment is the same just a higher amount of URSO for PSC. My liver enzymes are normal...so it's doing its thing. I'm not concerned regarding that anymore.

I theorise that keeping colon inflammation at bay will also keep the PSC from exacerbating.

q
Posted 3/25/2008 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I wanted to add my story of high liver enzymes.  Our liver levels should be 150 that's average.  Mine was 486, but now 383.  This is very high, and means something is wrong!  Our liver is a blood clotter, and because of this I was not able to have surgery in January 2008 (GI related).  The surgurey would have put in at risk if I started to bleed within, it could have also led to a stroke.

I have had a lot of blood work, many of times within the last two months.  Here are a few of the blood test.  AFP (tumor marker), mitochondrial (m2) antibody, HCV Ab w/rflx to RIBA, Hep B surface Ab, Antinuclear Antibodies Direct, Billirubin, total, Alkaline Phosphatase S, AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), Ferritin, Serum; HBsAg Screen.  I have also had a Ultra Scan, MRI, Colonoscopy, and a Upper Endiscopy.  So far I just have high liver enzymes.

There are over 1000 diseases that can cause this, and it takes a lot of test, and a liver biopsy to find out what it is, to start treatment to hopefully cure it.

This problem is our problem, and our health concerns.  DO NOT leave your health up to your docotor alone.  Do research, and see liver specialist, get seconf options, and ask for the test you believe you should take to help pin point the problem.

Don't settle for visits with your doctor monthly, yearly appointments.  Not when you are stressed trying to find out what is wrong with you.  The liver is the largest organ we have, and we need it to survive!

CCM

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