May 26, 2012
Topics A-Z Unanswered Questions Mild hepatomegaly and elevated liver tests
Mild hepatomegaly and elevated liver tests |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Hello, I recently had a bloodtest done that showed high liver function and I then dot an ultrasound and the doctor found that my liver was mildly enlarged. It was made aware to me that I had mild hepatomlagy and so I have to loses weight. I don't drink alcohol so I was curious as to whether or not I would be able to drink now while I have this mild form. I won't drink if I m told to, but I would like to inquire as to whether or not it would jeopardize my effort to loose weight and reverse this condition. Dear Maeve: There are a lot of causes for an elevated liver function and enlarged liver. Infections, viral hepatitis, fatty liver and medications can all cause hepatomegaly. Since you have mentioned that you do not drink alcohol, you may be having nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The common causes of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are obesity (BMI>30), diabetes, decreased caloric intake/starvation, and medications like steroids. Enlarged liver and elevated liver function tests could also be the result of hypothyroidism (as mentioned in your history). Fatty liver can also be associated with the use of alcohol, so drinking alcohol will only worsen your condition. Alcohol is readily absorbed from the intestines and is metabolized in the liver, stressing an already overburdened liver. Treatment of an enlarged liver will depend on the cause. Though no specific treatment is available for fatty liver, a gradual and controlled weight loss with exercise is known to slow the disease and to some extent reverse some of the findings. Diets with a high protein to calorie ratio may also be tried. Please avoid alcohol, it will definitely jeopardise your weight loss efforts and may even worsen your condition. |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 13 January 2012 ) |
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