What are the main types of liver problems and their causes. How do viral hepatitis, autoimmune disorders, and genetic conditions affect liver health. What role does lifestyle play in liver disease development.

Understanding Liver Function and Its Importance

The liver is a vital organ that performs numerous essential functions in the body. It processes nutrients, filters toxins, and aids in energy production. When liver function is compromised, it can have far-reaching effects on overall health. But what exactly does the liver do, and why is it so crucial?

• Nutrient processing: Converts nutrients into necessary chemicals
• Toxin filtration: Removes harmful substances from the bloodstream
• Energy production: Helps convert food into usable energy

Given its multifaceted role, maintaining optimal liver health is paramount. Various factors can impact liver function, leading to a range of liver conditions. Understanding these potential issues is key to prevention and early intervention.

Viral Hepatitis: A Major Cause of Liver Inflammation

Viral hepatitis is one of the most common causes of liver inflammation. There are several types of viral hepatitis, each with its own characteristics and potential long-term effects. How do these different types of hepatitis affect the liver?

Hepatitis A: Short-Term but Potentially Severe

Hepatitis A is typically contracted through contaminated food or water. While it usually resolves on its own within six months, it can cause significant discomfort and, in rare cases, more severe complications. Is hepatitis A preventable?

Yes, hepatitis A is preventable through vaccination and proper hygiene practices. Washing hands thoroughly and avoiding consuming untreated water or uncooked foods in high-risk areas can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Hepatitis B: A More Persistent Threat

Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids and can lead to chronic infection if it persists for more than six months. This chronic state increases the risk of liver cancer and other serious liver diseases. How can hepatitis B be prevented?

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B. Additionally, practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles can reduce the risk of transmission. Regular screening is important for those at higher risk.

Hepatitis C: The Silent Liver Threat

Hepatitis C is often called the “silent” liver disease because symptoms may not appear for years. It’s primarily transmitted through blood contact, often through shared needles or, less commonly, through healthcare-related exposures. Why are baby boomers at higher risk for hepatitis C?

Baby boomers are at higher risk due to potential exposure before widespread screening of blood products began in 1992. Additionally, some may have been exposed through past drug use or medical procedures. The CDC recommends that all adults born between 1945 and 1965 be tested for hepatitis C.

Autoimmune Liver Disorders: When the Body Attacks Itself

Autoimmune liver disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver or its components. These conditions can lead to chronic inflammation and progressive liver damage if left untreated. What are the main types of autoimmune liver disorders?

Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Gender-Biased Condition

Autoimmune hepatitis predominantly affects women and can lead to liver failure if not properly managed. Why does autoimmune hepatitis affect women more than men?

The exact reason for the gender disparity in autoimmune hepatitis is not fully understood. However, it’s believed that hormonal factors and genetic predisposition play a role. Estrogen may influence immune responses, potentially contributing to the higher prevalence in women.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Targeting the Bile Ducts

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) specifically attacks the bile ducts in the liver, leading to bile buildup and subsequent liver scarring. This condition also shows a strong gender bias towards women. How is PBC diagnosed and managed?

PBC is typically diagnosed through blood tests that detect specific antibodies and elevated liver enzymes. Liver biopsy may be used for confirmation. Management often involves ursodeoxycholic acid to improve bile flow and slow disease progression. Regular monitoring and symptom management are crucial aspects of care.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Male-Predominant Condition

Unlike PBC, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) affects men more frequently than women. It causes scarring of the bile ducts, potentially leading to liver failure or cancer. Is there a link between PSC and other health conditions?

Yes, PSC is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly ulcerative colitis. About 70-80% of patients with PSC also have IBD. This connection highlights the complex interplay between the gut and liver in immune-mediated disorders.

Liver Cancer and Tumors: Understanding the Risks

While many liver cancers are metastases from other parts of the body, primary liver cancers and tumors can also occur. These conditions require careful monitoring and management. What are the main types of primary liver cancers and tumors?

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Most Common Primary Liver Cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer. It’s more common in individuals with chronic liver diseases, particularly cirrhosis. What factors increase the risk of developing HCC?

The main risk factors for HCC include chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis from any cause, excessive alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Certain genetic conditions and exposure to aflatoxins (toxins produced by molds) can also increase risk.

Bile Duct Cancer: A Rare but Serious Condition

Bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, is less common but can be aggressive. It primarily affects older adults and can be challenging to diagnose early. What are the early warning signs of bile duct cancer?

Early symptoms of bile duct cancer can be vague and include abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, and fever. As the disease progresses, it may cause itching, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Early detection often relies on imaging studies and blood tests.

Liver Cell Adenoma: A Benign but Potentially Problematic Tumor

Liver cell adenomas are non-cancerous tumors that primarily affect women, especially those who have used oral contraceptives for extended periods. While benign, these tumors require monitoring. Can liver cell adenomas become cancerous?

While rare, liver cell adenomas do have a small risk of malignant transformation, especially if they are large (>5 cm) or occur in men. Regular monitoring through imaging studies is important, and in some cases, surgical removal may be recommended to prevent complications.

Inherited Liver Disorders: Genetic Factors in Liver Health

Some liver conditions are inherited, passed down through families due to genetic mutations. These disorders can affect liver function in various ways and may require lifelong management. What are some of the most common inherited liver disorders?

Hemochromatosis: When Iron Becomes Toxic

Hemochromatosis is a condition where the body absorbs and stores too much iron. Over time, this excess iron can damage organs, particularly the liver. How is hemochromatosis diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check iron levels and genetic testing for the HFE gene mutation. Treatment primarily consists of regular phlebotomy (blood removal) to reduce iron levels. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent organ damage and improve long-term outcomes.

Wilson’s Disease: Copper Overload in the Body

Wilson’s disease is characterized by excessive copper accumulation in various organs, including the liver. It usually manifests in childhood or young adulthood. What are the neurological and psychiatric symptoms associated with Wilson’s disease?

Neurological symptoms can include tremors, muscle stiffness, and problems with speech and coordination. Psychiatric manifestations may range from personality changes and depression to psychosis. Early treatment with copper-chelating agents can help prevent or minimize these complications.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A Liver and Lung Disorder

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition that can affect both the liver and lungs. The liver produces a faulty version of the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein, which can accumulate and cause damage. How does this condition impact lung health?

In the lungs, the lack of functional alpha-1 antitrypsin leaves the lungs vulnerable to damage from enzymes that would normally be inhibited by this protein. This can lead to emphysema, particularly in smokers. Treatment may involve augmentation therapy to replace the missing protein and protect the lungs.

Lifestyle-Related Liver Conditions: The Impact of Daily Choices

Many liver conditions are influenced by lifestyle factors. Understanding these connections can help individuals make informed choices to protect their liver health. What are some common lifestyle-related liver conditions?

Alcoholic Liver Disease: The Consequences of Excessive Drinking

Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. It can lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and ultimately cirrhosis. How much alcohol is too much for the liver?

The risk of alcoholic liver disease increases with the amount and duration of alcohol consumption. Generally, consuming more than 1-2 drinks per day for women and 2-3 for men is considered risky. However, individual tolerance varies, and some people may develop liver problems with less alcohol consumption.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Growing Epidemic

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly common, often associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves liver inflammation and damage. How can NAFLD be prevented or managed?

Lifestyle modifications are key in managing NAFLD. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. In some cases, medications to manage underlying conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol may be recommended.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury: The Hidden Danger of Medications

Certain medications, including over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen, can cause liver damage if taken in excessive amounts or for prolonged periods. How can individuals protect their liver when taking medications?

Always follow prescribed dosages and read medication labels carefully. Be aware of the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen across all medications. Inform healthcare providers about all medications and supplements being taken. Those with existing liver conditions should consult their doctor before starting new medications.

Diagnostic Tools for Liver Health Assessment

Monitoring liver health involves various diagnostic tools and tests. Understanding these can help individuals better comprehend their liver function and any potential issues. What are the primary methods used to assess liver health?

Liver Function Tests: The First Line of Investigation

Liver function tests (LFTs) are blood tests that measure various enzymes and proteins produced by the liver. These can indicate liver damage or dysfunction. What do elevated ALT levels in a liver function test indicate?

Elevated ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels often suggest liver cell damage or inflammation. This can be caused by various factors, including viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or certain medications. However, ALT levels alone are not diagnostic and require interpretation in the context of other tests and clinical information.

Imaging Studies: Visualizing Liver Structure

Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI can provide detailed views of the liver’s structure and any abnormalities. When are these imaging studies typically recommended?

Imaging studies may be ordered when blood tests show abnormal results, when there are symptoms suggestive of liver disease, or for monitoring known liver conditions. They can help detect tumors, cysts, fatty liver, and signs of cirrhosis. In some cases, they may guide liver biopsies or other interventions.

Liver Biopsy: The Gold Standard for Diagnosis

While less commonly performed due to advances in non-invasive techniques, liver biopsy remains an important diagnostic tool in certain situations. What information can a liver biopsy provide that other tests cannot?

A liver biopsy can provide detailed information about the structure of liver tissue, the degree of inflammation or fibrosis, and the presence of specific cellular changes. This can be crucial in diagnosing conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, determining the stage of liver disease, or evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Liver Disease

The field of hepatology is rapidly evolving, with new treatments and research offering hope for many liver conditions. What are some of the most promising developments in liver disease treatment?

Antiviral Therapies: Revolutionizing Hepatitis Treatment

Direct-acting antivirals have transformed the treatment of hepatitis C, offering cure rates over 95% for most patients. How have these new treatments changed the outlook for hepatitis C patients?

These new treatments have dramatically improved outcomes for hepatitis C patients, reducing the risk of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and the need for liver transplantation. They are generally well-tolerated and require shorter treatment durations compared to older therapies. This has made hepatitis C a potentially curable condition for many patients.

Immunotherapies: New Frontiers in Liver Cancer Treatment

Immunotherapy is showing promise in treating advanced liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. How do these therapies work, and what is their potential impact?

Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, work by enhancing the body’s own immune response against cancer cells. In liver cancer, these treatments have shown the ability to extend survival in some patients with advanced disease. Ongoing research is exploring combinations of immunotherapies with other treatments to further improve outcomes.

Regenerative Medicine: The Future of Liver Repair?

Research into liver regeneration and the use of stem cells offers hope for repairing liver damage without transplantation. What are the current challenges and potential applications of this research?

Regenerative medicine approaches, including the use of stem cells and bioengineered liver tissues, are still largely experimental. Challenges include ensuring the safety and efficacy of these treatments, as well as developing methods to deliver and integrate new cells or tissues into the damaged liver. However, this field holds promise for potentially treating a wide range of liver conditions, from acute liver failure to chronic liver diseases.

As research continues to advance our understanding of liver diseases and their treatments, the outlook for many patients with liver conditions continues to improve. Regular check-ups, lifestyle modifications, and staying informed about new developments can all contribute to better liver health outcomes.

Types of Liver Problems & Their Causes

Written by Steven Brown

• Infections
• Immune System Problems
• Cancer and Tumors
• Conditions You Inherit
• Other Causes of Liver Disease

Your liver does a lot of things that keep you healthy. It turns nutrients into chemicals your body needs. It filters out poisons. It helps turn food into energy. So when your liver doesn’t work well, that can affect your whole body.

Different things can cause serious liver conditions. You’ll want to know about the top causes.

Sometimes, the problem is that you have an infection that inflames your liver. Viral hepatitis is the most common cause, including:

• Hepatitis A. Most people get it by eating or drinking something that’s tainted by fecal matter. You might not have any symptoms. It usually goes away by itself within 6 months without any long-term harm.
• Hepatitis B. You get it from somebody else, such as through unprotected sex or taking drugs with shared needles. If it lasts longer than 6 months, it makes you more likely to get liver cancer or other diseases.
• Hepatitis C comes from infected blood that gets into your blood. You might get it if you take drugs with shared needles or in connection with HIV. If you’re a health-care worker, you might get it from an infected needle that accidentally sticks you. Symptoms may not show up for many years. For reasons that aren’t quite clear, baby boomers are at risk for hepatitis C and should be tested for it.

Your immune system fights off invaders including bacteria and viruses. But it might go wrong and attack one or more parts of your body, such as your liver.

• Autoimmune hepatitis inflames your liver. It can lead to other disorders and even liver failure. It strikes girls and women more often than boys or men.
• Primary biliary cholangitis attacks tiny tubes in your liver called bile ducts. They carry bile, a chemical that helps you digest food. When the ducts are injured, the bile backs up inside your liver and scars it. Women come down with this more often than men.
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis scars your bile ducts, and it can eventually block them. The bile builds up inside your liver, and that makes it harder for your liver to work. It may lead to liver cancer, and you might someday need a liver transplant. Men are more likely than women to get it.

If cancer shows up in your liver, that’s most likely because it has spread from another part of your body, like your lungs, colon, or breasts. But a few cancers can start in the liver.

• Liver cancer affects women more often than men, and African-Americans more often than whites. Your doctor might call it hepatocellular carcinoma. It’s more likely if you have hepatitis or drink too much.
• Bile duct cancer strikes the tubes that run from your liver to your small intestine to carry bile, a fluid that helps you digest food. This kind of cancer mainly affects people over age 50, but it’s uncommon.
• Liver cell adenoma is a tumor that doesn’t have cancer. It’s uncommon, but women who take birth control pills for a long time are more prone than other people to develop it. There’s a small chance the tumor could eventually turn into cancer.

Some inherited liver disorders only happen if they run in your family.

• Hemochromatosis makes your body store up too much of the iron from your food. The extra iron builds up in your liver, heart, or other organs. It can lead to life-threatening conditions such as liver diseases, heart disease, or diabetes.
• Hyperoxaluria hits when your urine has too much of a chemical called oxalate. In this condition, your liver makes too much oxalate due to a genetic mutation. This can cause kidney stones and kidney failure. If your kidneys do fail, that can give you oxalosis, where the oxalate collects in other organs and causes more trouble.
• Wilson’s disease makes copper build up in your liver and other organs. Its first symptoms usually show up when you’re between the ages of 6 and 35, most often in your teens. It not only affects your liver, but it can cause nerve and psychiatric problems.
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency involves a chemical that helps your lungs resist infections. Your liver makes it. But when your liver gets the recipe wrong, the faulty chemical can build up and cause liver disease.

• Alcohol abuse can lead to cirrhosis. So can nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and long-term cases of hepatitis B and C.
• Drug overdoses. Taking too much acetaminophen or other medications can harm your liver. Make sure you follow the dosing instructions on the label, and be aware that acetaminophen might be in more than one medicine you take.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when too much fat has built up inside your liver. The extra fat can inflame your liver. One type of NAFLD is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It means you have inflammation and cell damage in your liver, as well as fat. It can scar your liver and lead to other disorders, like cirrhosis.

Dire complications of liver disease include:

• Acute liver failure. This happens when you don’t have a long-term liver disease but your liver quits working within a very short time — days or weeks. That may happen because of an overdose of acetaminophen, infections, or because of prescription drugs.
• Cirrhosisis a buildup of scars in your liver. The more scars replace the healthy parts of your liver, the harder it is for your liver to do its job. Over time, it may not work like it should.

Top Picks

Alkaline Phosphatase Test (ALP): High vs.

Low Levels

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Why Would I Get This Test?
• How Is the Test Done?
• How Do I Prepare?
• What Do My Results Mean?

Alkaline phosphatase is one kind of enzyme found in your body. Enzymes are proteins that help chemical reactions happen. For instance, they can break big molecules down into smaller parts, or they can help smaller molecules join together to form bigger structures.

You have alkaline phosphatase throughout your body, including your liver, digestive system, kidneys, and bones.

If you show signs of liver disease or a bone disorder, your doctor may order an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test to measure the amount of the enzyme in your blood and help in diagnosing the problem. Sometimes it’s part of a broader group of tests called a routine liver or hepatic panel, which checks how your liver is working.

If your liver isn’t working right, the amount of ALP in your blood may be high. Doctors often use the test to look for blocked bile ducts. Other conditions that can cause problems with your liver include:

• Liver cancer
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis
• Blockage in the bile ducts

The test can also spot problems with your bones, including:

• Cancers that have spread to your bones
• Paget’s disease, which affects how bones grow
• Issues caused by vitamin D deficiency

The lab will need a small amount of blood to perform the test.

The person in charge of taking your blood will start by placing a tight elastic band, called a tourniquet, around your upper arm. This makes your veins swell with blood.

The lab tech will clean an area of your skin with a germ-killing solution. (It might be a spot inside your elbow or the back of your hand). You’ll feel a small stick when the needle goes into your vein. The blood flows into a small vial attached to the needle.

When the test is done, the lab tech will take the tourniquet off, and you’ll get a bandage on the spot where the needle went in. It takes only a few minutes.

Taking blood samples is usually very safe. Some things that might happen after the test include a bruise at the spot where the needle went in, and a little dizziness. There’s also a slight chance of infection.

You may have to limit food and liquids for several hours before the test. Some medicines interfere with the results, so make sure your doctor knows about all drugs you take, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, because that will increase the level of ALP in your blood.

It generally takes 1-2 days for results to come back from the lab.

Higher-than-normal ALP levels for your age and sex may not necessarily mean you have a problem. (Children and teens naturally have higher levels than adults because their bones are still developing).

If your ALP level is high, your doctor may have you take another test, called an ALP isoenzyme test, to determine whether the alkaline phosphatase in your blood is coming from your liver or your bones.

Low levels of ALP indicate a deficiency in zinc and magnesium but can also be an indicator of a rare genetic disease called hypophosphatasia (HPP), which affects bones and teeth.

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ALT (ALT, Alanine aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, SGPT, Alanine aminotransferase)

Alanine aminotransferase (AlAT, ALT) is an intracellular enzyme, the content of which in the blood of healthy people is low. It is mainly found in the cells of the liver, myocardium, skeletal muscles, pancreas. When cells containing ALT are damaged or destroyed, the enzyme is released into the bloodstream, and its concentration in the blood increases.

Determination of the level of alanine aminotransferase is carried out for the diagnosis of liver diseases and dynamic monitoring of their treatment. The analysis is performed for suspected acute or chronic hepatitis of viral or toxic etiology, cirrhosis of the liver, primary tumors, or metastatic liver disease.

The growth of alanine aminotransferase in the blood in hepatitis is noted much earlier than the onset of the icteric stage, which makes it possible to identify the pathology at the initial stage.

As part of a screening examination (preventive examination of persons who do not have complaints) to assess the state of the liver, before planned hospitalization and surgical treatment, an analysis for ALT is prescribed together with another enzyme – AsAT (aspartate aminotransferase).

The level of ALT together with other enzymes is evaluated in diseases of the pancreas and gallbladder – pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis; if there are complaints of unexplained general weakness, fatigue, yellowness of the skin and sclera, abdominal pain, including a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting.

In addition, the ALT level is taken into account in myocardial infarction and myocarditis, although in cases of heart damage it is only of secondary importance. The study is prescribed for suspected myositis, myodystrophy, when complaints of muscle pain cannot be explained by injuries or excessive physical activity.

Donation is a mandatory reason for testing for ALT.

ALT values ​​are assessed in any chronic disease, before prescribing drug therapy, for example, antitumor, anti-tuberculosis drugs, to assess the initial state of the liver and over time to assess drug tolerance.

Preparation for procedure

It is better to take the test in the morning on an empty stomach (after an 8-14 hour break after the last meal).

Drinking water is allowed.

If necessary, it is permissible to donate blood 4-6 hours after a light meal.

On the eve it is desirable to avoid physical and emotional overload, overeating.

Avoid drinking alcohol 5-6 days before the test.

Avoid smoking 30 minutes before blood sampling.

Deadline

The survey is completed within one business day.

What can affect the results

Intense physical activity the day before and even a few days before the test can lead to damage to muscle tissue (the so-called tear of muscle fibers) and, accordingly, an increase in the level of ALT. For the same reason, the analysis given after the injury is not informative.

Taking alcohol, certain drugs (antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticancer drugs, oral contraceptives, etc.) often distort the result of the study. The list of medications taken should be discussed with the doctor who ordered the analysis, cancel those that are possible – without risk to health.

ALT (ALT, Alanine aminotransferase, alanine transaminase)

For research, blood is taken from a vein. Usually, ASAT (AST, Aspartate aminotransferase) is determined simultaneously and the ratio of ASAT / AlAT (de Ritis coefficient) is estimated.

You can take a blood test for ALT (ALT, Alanine aminotransferase, alanine transaminase) at the nearest INVITRO medical office. The list of offices where biomaterial is accepted for laboratory testing is presented in the “Addresses” section.

Interpretation of test results contains information for the attending physician and is not a diagnosis. The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. An accurate diagnosis is made by the doctor, using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: history, results of other examinations, etc.

Normal

Units of measure: U/l.

Reference values ​​

Explanation of indicators

The level of ALT depends on the age and sex of the patient. Minor deviations from the norm, as a rule, do not require drug therapy, and the recommendations associated with them, such as rational nutrition, avoidance of alcohol, etc. should be discussed with your doctor.

The AST/ALAT ratio (de Ritis ratio) is normally between 0.91 and 1.75.

What do low values ​​mean

A significant decrease in the level of ALT can be detected in severe liver damage, for example, in the terminal stage of liver cirrhosis, when the number of liver cells is significantly reduced.

What do increased indicators mean

First of all, with an increase in ALT, liver problems should be suspected: fatty hepatosis, hepatitis of viral or toxic etiology, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer – primary or metastatic.

The degree of increase in ALT is usually associated with the extent or severity of liver damage, but cannot be considered as a determining factor for the prognosis of the disease. The maximum levels of ALT (and AST) – more than a hundred times higher than the norm, are observed in patients with acute viral and drug-induced hepatitis.

A significant increase in alanine aminotransferase can be observed in acute cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and acute destructive pancreatitis. Another reason may be the use of hepatotoxic drugs that damage liver cells.

An increase in the level of ALT is detected with extensive injuries of the skeletal muscles, severe myositis and myodystrophy, frequent intramuscular injections.

A less significant increase in ALT is recorded in acute myocardial infarction and myocarditis.

Additional examination in case of deviation of the indicator from the norm

If a change (often an increase) in the level of ALT is detected, patients are consulted

general practitioners

,

gastroenterologists

, hepatologists, infectious disease specialists.

To clarify the diagnosis, in addition to ALT, other liver enzymes (AST, gamma-HT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin), clinical blood counts, and markers of viral hepatitis, primarily hepatitis B and hepatitis C, are usually examined.

An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs is performed, according to indications – computed tomography (CT) with contrast.

If damage to the skeletal muscles is suspected, the CPK enzyme is additionally examined and a rheumatologist is consulted.

If a heart muscle disorder is suspected, a cardiologist should be consulted. Usually the doctor prescribes additional electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, blood test for CF-CF, troponin I.

O.P. The role of new reference values ​​of alanine aminotransferase in the diagnosis of various forms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with metabolic syndrome. Journal of Biomedical Technologies № 1. 2015. P. 9-15.

Clinical guidelines “Liver cancer (hepatocellular)”. Developed by: Association of Oncologists of Russia, Russian Society of Clinical Oncology, Russian Society of Radiologists and Radiologists. – 2020.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Liver test up to 50% off

Description of analysis

A comprehensive analysis for the liver, which includes tests that allow you to evaluate both the general functional state of the liver: ALT, AST; the function of protein metabolism: total protein, albumin, urea; synthesis of bilirubin and bile production: bilirubin and its fractions; bile secretion: GGTP, alkaline phosphatase.

The complex is recommended at any age in case of suspected damage and inflammation of the liver, before and against the background of taking hepatotoxic drugs, to control the treatment of liver diseases, cholelithiasis. Also, the complex is suitable for the initial assessment of the state of the liver against the background of diseases of other organs, for example, kidneys, stomach, intestines, diabetes mellitus, rheumatological diseases, parasitic infections.

Test material
– Serum

includes 8 studies

• Enzyme of liver cells, increases when they are damaged

• Major substance carrier protein, decreases with malnutrition and liver dysfunction

• Enzyme of liver and muscle cells, increases when they are damaged

• A pigment formed during the breakdown of blood cells indicates an increase in blood breakdown or a malfunction of the liver and biliary tract

• Liver, biliary and pancreas cell enzyme

• Metabolic product of liver proteins, excreted by kidneys

• Total amount of protein produced by the liver and supplied with food

• Enzyme of cells of bile ducts and bones, increases when they are damaged

Order other complexes suitable for you

if the analyzes are repeated, the price of the complex will decrease by their cost

• Current complex

  Liver function, complex of analyzes (liver tests) – 8 studies

• Another

  Biochemical blood test (advanced) – 20 studies

How to prepare

In advance

Do not take a blood test immediately after x-ray, fluorography, ultrasound, physiotherapy.

The day before

24 hours before blood sampling:

• Limit fatty and fried foods, do not take alcohol.

• Avoid strenuous exercise.

From 8 to 14 hours before donating blood, do not eat, drink only clean still water.

On the day of donation

Before blood sampling

• 60 minutes without smoking,
• 15-30 minutes to be in a calm state.

Result

• Electronic result

  At the post office and in your personal account when ready

  View example

• Expert interpretation of results

  Transcription created based on our expert algorithms, medical and statistical data. She will talk about each analysis separately and, most importantly, how they affect each other. All analyzes of the complex are grouped by organs, diseases or processes.

  We will decipher your tests if you are not pregnant, you are over 18 years old, you do not have chronic diseases and all the results of the analyzes of the complex are completed. We may refuse to decrypt at our discretion with a refund.

  We will send the transcript within 1 day after the analysis is ready, excluding Saturday and Sunday.

• Doctor’s consultation

  Online consultation based on test results and a questionnaire that you fill out in advance. It will be available to order in 2024.

  See example

Liver function, complex of analyzes (liver tests)

A comprehensive analysis for the liver, which includes tests that allow you to evaluate both the general functional state of the liver: ALT, AST; the function of protein metabolism: total protein, albumin, urea; synthesis of bilirubin and bile production: bilirubin and its fractions; bile secretion: GGTP, alkaline phosphatase.

Many types of metabolism take place in the liver cells. Protein metabolism involves enzymes of liver cells (hepatocytes), called transaminases (ALT and AST). An increase in transaminases in the blood can be observed during cytolysis (destruction) of hepatocytes. An increase in ALT often indicates liver damage, while an increase in AST can also be observed with muscle damage, myocardial infarction, hemolysis of red blood cells. In acute viral hepatitis, the levels of enzymes exceed the upper limit of the norm by 5-10 times, and in chronic hepatitis by 1.5-2 times, increasing approximately the same. In alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver metastases, there is a predominant increase in AST.

The biliary function of the liver and biliary tract is assessed by the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (AP) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP). In the case of their simultaneous increase, first of all, obstruction (blockage) of the biliary tract is excluded, for example, with cholelithiasis.