How Can LFT Counts Be Brought Down To Normal?

Posted on Fri, 15 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 Answered on

Tue, 24 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed with Hepatitis A on 01.08.2013. All my LFTs were high (Bilirubin 9, AST 195, ALT 610, GGT 500). By 01.10.13 all my LFTs came back to normal except ALT 60 and GGT80. Doctor informed that I have recovered and was told to stop medication (Liv 52 & Liveril Forte) Now on 15.11.13 all my LFTs are still normal except ALT83 and GGT105. I started smoking 1-2 cigarettes from november but have continued normal diet and I have not consumed alcohol. Please suggest how can I bring these levels back to normal?? and when can I start alcohol consumption?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Detailed answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting your query. I am Dr.Ratnakar Kini and I am pleased to assist you. There are various ways hepatitis A infection manifests and one such manifestation is relapsing type. In this type, there will be two or three bouts of hepatitis A infection occuring. You continue taking liver supportive medications and the liver will recover over a couple of weeks. Also make sure that you do not have any other risk factors that also can cause liver damage including other viral infections like hepatitis B and C and do not take medications that can damage the liver. You can discuss about this with your doctor. Till the liver enzymes return to baseline values, do not start drinking alcohol. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.Ratnakar Kini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (11 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply doctor. I would like to know if smoking cigarettes was a cause to the liver not recovering completely or was it only due to the hepatitis virus? Can I still spread the Hepatitis A virus?? Also can I start having fried food??

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Detailed answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, Smoking do effect the recovery of a diseased liver. But as I said before other contributing factors should also be looked in to. Hepatitis A is spread through feces. It is contagious usually for about 2 weeks after the appearance of the symptoms. But sometimes the virus is shed in feces for many weeks. There is no harm if you start having fried food now. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.Ratnakar Kini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (44 minutes later)

I was checked for Hepatitis B & C & E and all were negative. So what could be reason for the liver damage then? Would also like to inform that I have a weird feeling just below my rib cage when pressed on the right side. It does not pain. What could be the reason for this or is it just in my head?? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Detailed answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, I have mentioned in my first post that you could be having a relapsing type of hepatits A which could be the reason for the liver function test to remain abnormal even after 3 months. The discomfort you have below the rib cage could be due to either due to ulcer disease or the liver disease you have. Antacid medications would provide relief if it is due to ulcer disease. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.Ratnakar Kini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (13 days later)

Doctor, Please refer earlier discussion. I have consequently taken 2 LFTs, the results are as below- 22.11.13 - ALT - 75 & GGTP - 86 (Rest all normal) 29.11.13 - ALT - 78 & GGTP - 79 & Globulin -1.7 (Rest all normal) I have continued with my medication (Liv 52 & Liveril Forte) for the past 2 weeks. I have been having slight itching since 10.11.13. I am a bit worried now, why these liver enzymes are still not returning to the normal range?? Also what steps do I need to take for these levels to return to normal?? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (3 days later)

Brief Answer: Detailed answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for getting back to me with more question. As I told in my earlier post it could be a relapsing type of hepatitis A and it could last for a couple of months. I also told you other causes should also be ruled out. You replied that B, C and E were negative. But you have to look other causes like a fatty liver, metabolic and autoimmune causes. I would advice you to consult to consult a gastroenterologist/hepatitis in your area for all these tests. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.Ratnakar Kini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar