Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Elevated Liver Enzymes

Jenn2005

By Jenn2005
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

Jenn2005 Contributor
Jenn2005
Posted

Just wondering if its a common thing with Celiac patients to at some time have elevated liver enzymes come back on the blood work. Shane (my husband) had a dr's appt. on Friday and he ran blood work (routine) to check vitamin levels (he's been getting B-12 injections since November 05), ect.... the full work up, he does this every 3 months to keep an eye on everything. His liver enzymes have always come back fine and he's had 2 U/S in the past 6 months that said the liver was normal (the u/s was not for the liver but for the gallbladder and pancreas but the liver was checked). This time they called and said his liver enzymes were up and they wanted to see him back in 6 weeks to recheck them and they'd let us know what other test he'd order after that. Just curious if anyone else has had any experience with this. I always worry myself to death about this stuff until we get results back so I try to find answers on here to calm my nerves. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jennifer

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


teebs in WV Apprentice
teebs in WV
Posted

Hi Jennifer. My liver enzymes have been high for about 4 years. I chose to bury my head in the sand and ignore it, even though my doctor kept bugging me about getting more tests. Finally, after I broke out with dermatitis herpetiformis, and couldn't stand it anymore, I decided to have more tests performed. My doc did an ultrasound and found nothing, followed by a CAT scan. The CAT scan showed enlarged abdominal lymph nodes, an enlarged spleen, but my liver looked A-OK! That was when my doctor sort of panicked and sent me elsewhere.

To make a long story short - my liver enzymes have went down since I started the gluten-free diet. I started the end of October, 2005 and last week my bloodwork shows significant improvement in all areas that were out of whack before. Not 100% normal yet, but definitely going in the right direction. (I must also say though that my alcohol intake has decreased dramatically since going gluten-free - no BEER! hmmm........I wonder if that had anything to do with my high liver enzymes?!?!?!)

The GI that did my endoscopy/biopsy indicated that all of these problems could be caused by celiac disease, but of course it could also be something else. I am supposed to go back for 6 month follow-up CAT scan in May.

I think it is very sweet and thoughtful that you are on this message board seeking advice and support for your hubby! :)

Take care,

Jenn2005 Contributor
Jenn2005
Posted
  • Author

Tracy, Thanks for the reply. I'm hoping when he goes back in 6 weeks that it will all have resolved itself. Good luck with the diet and I hope your results continue to improve.

Jennifer

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Jen it is VERY common for Celiacs to have elevated liver enzymes. I had them for years, yet another clue that was missed. Most of the time, the enzymes return to normal levels with the gluten-free diet. Just make sure a follow-up test is done. Go here to read some more info, study: Open Original Shared Link

Jenn2005 Contributor
Jenn2005
Posted
  • Author

Jenvan - Thanks so much for posting that link. I'm printing it out to take to the Dr. when we go. He doesn't know a lot about Celiac but he listen's and is very open to any research I can give him or tell him about.

It helps my nerves to know that its common (even though I want to have all the test done to be sure - better safe than sorry). It seems like just when you think your on the mend something else comes up.

Thanks again.

Jennifer

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Jennifer, well glad the doc is following up, and that they initiated it on their own. Some celiacs develop liver disease or autoimmune hepatitis, which you could mention, but as I said, majority of levels return to normal.

lonewolf Collaborator
lonewolf
Posted

This has been an informative thread. I have had elevated liver enzymes in the past and no one could figure out what it was. The doctor finally said it was related to a kidney problem I have. When I figured out that gluten made my kidney disease relapse, the liver enzymes went back to normal too. But what's interesting is that although I have had almost all the symptoms of Celiac (basically everything but chronic D and weight loss) I don't have either of the main genes for it. I've been off wheat for 10 years and gluten lite for that whole time, so no other tests would be accurate. Interesting to know that there is a connection with liver enzymes-just one more confirmation to me that I finally found the right "problem" and "cure", by myself, of course.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

For more info read this...haven't read it all yet, talks about causes of elevated liver enzymes in asymptomatic patients: Open Original Shared Link

lonewolf Collaborator
lonewolf
Posted

Thanks Jen,

You are amazing with all the links and information you have!

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Aw, thanks Liz! I definitely have to give the internet some credit for that ;) I read that article, it is pretty good, maybe technical for some, but good info on things that cause elevated enzymes, including celiac....

PghBOB Newbie
PghBOB
Posted
Just wondering if its a common thing with Celiac patients to at some time have elevated liver enzymes come back on the blood work. Shane (my husband) had a dr's appt. on Friday and he ran blood work (routine) to check vitamin levels (he's been getting B-12 injections since November 05), ect.... the full work up, he does this every 3 months to keep an eye on everything. His liver enzymes have always come back fine and he's had 2 U/S in the past 6 months that said the liver was normal (the u/s was not for the liver but for the gallbladder and pancreas but the liver was checked). This time they called and said his liver enzymes were up and they wanted to see him back in 6 weeks to recheck them and they'd let us know what other test he'd order after that. Just curious if anyone else has had any experience with this. I always worry myself to death about this stuff until we get results back so I try to find answers on here to calm my nerves. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jennifer

my liver enzymes have been elevated . i had an ultasound and cat scan,all ok. i've been gluten free for 7 months but still elevated.

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

PghBOB-- sorry to hear they're still up. i had mine run last week and will see what the results are. are they extremely elevated or just slightly?

Jenn2005 Contributor
Jenn2005
Posted
  • Author

Jenvan - Thanks for those last links. Great info. I printed those out for the dr. to go along with the first info you posted. How long were your enzymes up? Let us know how your report looks when you hear. I'll say a prayer that your levels are returned to normal. I appreciate all your informative posts.

Jennifer

debmidge Rising Star
debmidge
Posted

Thanks for info, I found this to be of value. It's amazing what gluten does.

PghBOB Newbie
PghBOB
Posted
PghBOB-- sorry to hear they're still up. i had mine run last week and will see what the results are. are they extremely elevated or just slightly?

I THINK THEY WHERE ONLY SLIGHTLY ELEVATED, MY DOC NEVER GIVES ME ANYTHING ON PAPER SO IT'S HARD FOR ME TO RESEARCH. GOING FOR MORE BLOODWORK IN A FEW WEEKS I'AM GOING TO INSIST ON COPYS FOR MYSELF

Jenn2005 Contributor
Jenn2005
Posted
  • Author

I always request (insist if neccesary) a copy of any and all test and/or bloodwork. I don't trust the results to the doctor. I read them myself and look up anything I'm not sure about. When my husband was first dx with Celiac it was months after the biopsy came back as positive because the doctor who did the endoscopy told us it was negative and I didn't get a copy of the reports until we switched gastro dr's and the new dr is the one who found it in the pathology report and followed thru. I now get copies of everything.

Jennifer

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Jennifer-I also think that's a great idea. I have a file with copies of all my labs etc. That way I can also take them with me to new docs etc. It's all about being proactive :)

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. klmgarland
      - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      Thank you so very much Scott. Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful. If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to ...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to ElenaM's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      I think I am gluten intolerant

      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS. Your situation is a classic p...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,906
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Dakota4
    Newest Member
    Dakota4
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
    • Scott Adams
      I think I am gluten intolerant

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.   Your situation is a classic presentation: a negative celiac panel but a clear, recurring pattern of symptoms triggered by gluten. The symptoms you listed—particularly the extreme fatigue, bloating, neurological-psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety, and even the skin manifestations like facial flushing—are all well-documented in research on NCGS. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing this specific combination of physical and emotional reactions. The only way to know for sure is to commit to a strict, 100% gluten-free diet under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian for a period of several weeks to see if your symptoms significantly improve. It is also crucial to rule out other potential causes, so discussing these symptoms with a gastroenterologist is a very important next step.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.