Monday, February 25, 2008

Elevated Liver Enzymes-What does it mean?

It is common for children with SDS to have elevated liver enzymes. Most outgrow it. I thought this was an interesting article from Mayo Clinic. Since J's liver enzyms are slightly elevated, I was looking a few things up. The following comes from this link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/elevated-liver-enzymes/HQ01011


Elevated liver enzymes: What does it mean?

What causes elevated liver enzymes?

Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

A laboratory report of elevated liver enzymes is common and doesn't indicate a specific disease. However, elevated liver enzymes may be due to liver disease even if you have no symptoms. To determine the underlying cause of elevated liver enzymes, your doctor may recommend further testing.
Common causes of elevated liver enzymes include:
*Side effect of medication, such as certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), *cholesterol medications, antibiotics or anti-seizure medications
*Drinking alcohol
*Obesity
*Diabetes
*Elevated triglycerides
*Infection, such as viral hepatitis and mononucleosis
*Autoimmune disorders of the liver and bile ducts, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary *sclerosing cholangitis or primary biliary cirrhosis
*Metabolic liver disease, such as hemochromatosis or Wilson's disease
*Excessive use of certain herbal supplements, such as kava, comfrey, pennyroyal or skullcap
*Gallstones
*Tumors of the liver, pancreas or bile ducts
Treatment of elevated liver enzymes depends on its cause. It is important to tell your doctor about any nutritional or herbal supplements you're taking.