What Causes Itching In Arms And Chest In A Patient With Jaundice?

Posted on Sat, 13 Jun 2015

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

Sat, 13 Jun 2015 Answered on

Fri, 3 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi really scared iv got jaundice I had blood tests 3mnths ago alt ast & ggt 170 105 & 80 had another test 2wks ago come back normal I have slight itching on arms chest & back in afternoon really worried

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It needs investigation

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the normal values are a very good sign but investigation is needed for the cause of the elevation. Itching may accompany jaundice but the best way to find out is to measure your bilirubin levels.
Regarding the elevated liver enzymes. A careful history of your symptoms then (why did you do the tests?) and some more tests might clarify your situation.
Important tests to do include the following:
HBsAg, AntiHBs, AntiHBc IgG/IgM, AntiHCV, AntiHAV IgG/IgM, bilirubin (total and direct), sgot, sgpt, alp, ggt, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA), serum protein electrophoresis, Antinuclear antibodies, SMA (smooth muscle antibodies), SLA (soluble liver antigen), liver/gallbladder/pancreas/spleen ultrasound scan.

Depending on the results, other tests might be needed as well.
I'll be glad to comment on any of the above tests you might have done.

Kind Regards!

I hope I've

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

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (9 minutes later)

Birubin levels have been fine I hadnt had blood tests in so long & high bp he wanted to check renal he said the itchying was dry skin but its like dots all over arms ill try send photos

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload the photos

Detailed Answer:
If you can take high quality photos that can be zoomed, perhaps it would help. Please keep in mind that photos are not even close to a real visit inspection though.

Please also upload any report that you have (even the old ones).

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

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)

I havent any reports to send u & I cant seem to upload pics at the moment

Can a fatty liver cause chirrosis

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Fatty liver may evolve into cirrhosis

Detailed Answer:
Although the risk is not very high, a fatty liver may evolve into steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Most people won't develop any of those conditions (thankfully!) but some will. We can't predict who will and who won't. Your tests do not indicate cirrhosis. Hepatitis is possible. There are some hepatitis types that may result in fluctuating levels of the liver enzymes (even normal values among abnormal ones), like the autoimmune hepatitis and chronic hepatitis C, so you'd better do the tests I've recommended.

Kind Regards!

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

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 minutes later)

Ok thanks

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You're welcome!

Detailed Answer:
I hope everything turns out to be just fine!

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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