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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)

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Liver Problems

Answered by

Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine

Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA

This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.

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MedHelp Member's Question

Liver Problems

by virgogrl, Feb 02, 2006 12:00AM

Tags: liver, gallbladder

Hi dr. I am concerned about my boyfriend. He came down with what he thought was flu like symptoms, stomach ache, nausea, and fatigue. A few days later he had dark urine so he went to the doctor. The doctor tested for diabetes which came back negative so he gave more blood and had a cat scan done and saw a specialist. He also now has jaundice. Blood came back and he does not have hepatitis A,B,or C. His Dbile and Tbile (not sure if that is correct) is elevated somewhere in the 350 range and the cat scan showed no abnormalities. The doctor told him to come back in a week. Could this just be a virus? I had mono about 9 months ago and I easily could have given it to him but he thought he had mono around the same time I did, is it possible there is some correlation? Any thoughts on what could be going on?

Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD

, Feb 03, 2006 12:00AM

I would do further investigation into the cause of the jaundice.  An elevated bilirubin level (although 350 is likely referring to another value, rather than the bilirubin) certainly can point to liver or gallbladder diseases.

I would obtain the complete liver function tests - including the ALT and AST.

The next step would be an abdominal ultrasound (better exam for the gallbladder than the CT scan) to evaluate the liver and gallbladder.  If there is evidence of ductal dilation (i.e. suggesting a blockage), an MRCP can be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.

kevinmd_b

Member Comments (8)

by virgogrl, Feb 02, 2006 12:00AM

To: Dr.

I forgot to add that he is not in any pain of any kind, I thought it might be gallstones but that too has been ruled out.

by dr_khaled, Feb 02, 2006 12:00AM

hi everyone, i ask about the dose of ribavirin ; is it ( 800mg for <65kg & 1000mg for 65-75kg & 1200mg >75kg ) OR IT IS (1000mg for < 75kg & 1200mg for > 75kg ) thank you for care

by B_Johnson, Feb 02, 2006 12:00AM

To: Dr_kalhed

(400QAM 600QPM)1000mg/day <75kg , (600BID)1200mg/day >75kg

by NickyIsHere123, Feb 03, 2006 12:00AM

To: Virogirl

Hi, request that he get a HIDE scan test. May may not show gallstones, but he may have a non functioning gallbladder. Yellow is indicitive of bile.

Good Luck!

OH YEAH...in the meantime, try taking in some beets and radishes. If possible juice them with also a Choline supplement. See what happens

by dr_khaled, Feb 08, 2006 12:00AM

thanks for care , my PCR reveals 10900 copies after 4th inj , now , i am at 8th inj .i am waiting NEW PCR RESULT . what do u expect ???????

by brtbby, Mar 06, 2006 12:00AM

I got my blood work back from a lab and my liver was "50", it said normal is 40. Does anyone know how high the number can be before you should see a doctor?

by leeac, Apr 02, 2006 12:00AM

sounds like your 50 may be indicative of the ALT or AST portion of the liver function test. lab reference ranges may vary, but generally the range is approximately 0-40 for each. elevations of ALT/AST can be for various reasons, mostly benign. i'm not a doctor, but you probably want to go get any elevated liver enzymes checked out by a gastroenterologist so they can run a few more tests to rule out any other problems.

by Wolfgirl, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM

My Mom has been diagnosed with liver problems and has even had Hepatitus in the past. She caught a stomach virus a few weeks ago and now it is back. Symptoms are vomitting, nausea and no appetite. Her first round lasted 9 days and she felt better. After about a week, it seems to have come back. Her eyes are yellowish again and I am concerned about effects simple viruses to a healthy person could have on her due to her liver problems. Any ideas? Thanks!

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