I have had some issues with have elevated (or toxic) LFT's (liver
function tests) in my case my elevated LFT's (normal is 0-30) [my
highest was over 1000] was due to liver toxicity from 6mp (6
mercaptopurine or Purinethol). if Amy is on any immunosuppressant
medication like 6MP or Imuran (aziothioprine), her LFT's could be
elevated. i have what is called a Promethius (through Promethius
labs) 6MP metabolite blood test done every few months to check out
the two different metabolites that 6MP secreates. one is a good
metabolite that predicts how well the med is working and the other is
a bad metabolite that must be kept below a certain level or liver
toxicity is more likely. if her LFT's keep rising or go above a level
to be determined by her doctor, then usual they'll stop the med until
the LFT's decrease.
Leah


--- In oc_ccfa@yahoogroups.com, Jean Taber <jaj_taber@...> wrote:
>
> I wanted to pass this info from Mayo Clinic along to you. It gives
a brief explanation for some of the causes of elevated liver enzymes:
>
> "I have elevated liver enzymes. What does that mean?
> - No name given / California
>
> Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D., and colleagues
answer select questions from readers.
>
> Answer
> A laboratory report of elevated liver enzymes is common. It doesn't
indicate a specific disease. However, it may be due to a liver
disorder, even if you don't have any symptoms of liver problems. To
determine the underlying cause of elevated liver enzymes, your doctor
may recommend further testing.
>
> Liver enzymes help maintain a variety of chemical and metabolic
processes that occur in the liver. Normally, only very small amounts
of these enzymes are present in your blood.
>
> Common causes of elevated liver enzymes include:
>
> *Medications, such as certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
cholesterol-lowering medications, antibiotics and anti-seizure
medications
> *Drinking too much alcohol
> *Obesity
> *Diabetes
> *Elevated triglycerides
> *Infection, such as viral hepatitis and mononucleosis
> *Autoimmune disorders of the liver and bile ducts, such as
autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary
biliary cirrhosis
> *Metabolic liver disease, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson's
disease
> *Excessive use of certain herbal supplements, such as kava,
comfrey, pennyroyal and skullcap
> *Tumors of the liver or bile ducts
>
> Treatment of elevated liver enzymes depends on the underlying
cause. It is important to tell your doctor about any nutritional or
herbal supplements you are taking."
>
> Not to alarm you, but primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a
rare but not unheard of liver disease seen in some people with IBD.
I hope that's not the reason for her elevated levels, but hopefully
more tests will reveal the cause over the next few days.
>
> If you want to read more on the Mayo site, here's the link I cited:
>
> http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/elevated-liver-enzymes/HQ01011
>
> Regards,
>
> Jean (Gregory, 12; CD)
>
>
>
> ---- Casey Smith <caseylsmith@...> wrote:
>
> =============
> Hi everyone
>
> My sister Amy was admitted to Orange Coast Hospital in
> Fountain Valley yesterday. She was on 40mg of
> prednisone for 2 weeks and got to the point of pain
> that she could barely get down water. Tomorrow she is
> having an upper gi series and small bowel series, the
> cat scan came back with no perforation but with bad
> inflammation and scar tissue. Her doc wants to do the
> surgery, so we will see what happens tomorrow after
> the tests.
>
> She is taking 100mg of solucortif (same as
> prednisone)3 times a day, every 8 hours, which is
> 300mg every 24 hours.............yikes. Her liver
> enzymes came back elevated, does anyone know why that
> would happen? Does anyone have any stories about
> Orange Coast Hospital in Fountain Valley? The doc
> wants to do a laproscopic surgery to clear the
> stricture and take the appendix out. She is in room
> 339 if you want to call!
>
> Any stories or suggestions are appreciated!!!!!
>
> Hugs to you all, and I hope you are all doing well!!!
>
> Love,
>
> Casey
>
>
>
> Love, and Blessings,
> Casey Smith
>
>
> "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will
soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they
will walk and not be faint" Isaiah 40:31
>
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