From the Guidelines
Elevated liver enzymes often don't cause noticeable symptoms on their own, but when symptoms do occur, they may include fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stools, and itchy skin, as noted in a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1.
Symptoms of Elevated Liver Enzymes
The symptoms of elevated liver enzymes generally reflect underlying liver inflammation or damage rather than the enzyme elevation itself.
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain (particularly in the upper right area)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Itchy skin
Enzymes and Liver Problems
The specific enzymes commonly measured include ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate transaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase). Each enzyme pattern can suggest different types of liver problems.
- Very high ALT and AST might indicate acute hepatitis, as seen in a study on hepatitis E virus infection 1.
- Elevated ALP and GGT could suggest bile duct issues. It's essential to understand that elevated liver enzymes are not a disease but rather a sign of potential liver problems that require further investigation to determine the underlying cause, which could range from medication effects to viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, or fatty liver disease, as discussed in a study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 1.
Importance of Further Investigation
Further investigation is necessary to determine the underlying cause of elevated liver enzymes, as the symptoms alone may not be sufficient to diagnose the underlying condition. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1 emphasizes the importance of understanding the different enzyme patterns and their association with various liver problems. Elevated liver enzymes should be further investigated to determine the underlying cause, which could range from medication effects to viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, or fatty liver disease, as noted in a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Elevated Liver Enzymes
The symptoms of elevated liver enzymes can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms include:
- Jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes 2
- Vomiting 2
- Anorexia, or loss of appetite 2
- Diarrhea 2
- Abdominal pain 2, 3
- Pyrexia, or fever 2
- Pale stool 2
- Dark urine 2
- Lethargy, or fatigue 2
- Pruritus, or itching 2
Specific Symptoms Associated with Certain Conditions
Certain conditions can cause elevated liver enzymes and may have additional symptoms, such as:
- Autoimmune hepatitis: diffuse gallbladder wall thickening, epigastric pain, and marked jaundice 3
- Alcoholic liver disease: hepatocellular injury, fatty liver, and liver failure 4
- Acute hepatitis: jaundice, vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal pain 2
Laboratory Findings
Elevated liver enzymes can be detected through laboratory tests, including: