Liver Disorders, Hepatitis A,B,C Forum - Fatty liver symptoms + elevated ALT

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Q: Fatty liver symptoms + elevated ALT

asked by: DoctorQuestion on July 30th, 2007

This past december I had a couple panels done. My ALT was elevated, and other measures related to the liver were too. The above values are the one's that were elevated.

In addition to that, I had a sonogram, and I was diagnosed with a fatty liver. Essentially, my PCP was never able to diagnose me, he threw around a couple conditions including hemochromatosis. I moved, and stopped the followup. Now, I want to take care of it again.

Recently, I developed an "ammonia like" sweat smell. I know sweat should be odorless. I think, that this could be associated with my liver.

I drink maybe a beer every two weeks. I do not smoke, but am overweight at 6'4 300lbs. I have had incredible stress the past 3-4 months, perhaps that can also be a trigger.

There is history of hepatitis, my father had it. However, I come out negative for ABC.

Could my symptoms be related to a fatty liver?

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on August 20th, 2007

Liver Disorders, Hepatitis A,B,C Answer A3211

It doesn’t seem likely that a fatty liver can cause an “ammonia sweat smell”. Fatty liver (steatosis hepatis) is the first stage of liver damage. Fatty liver can be due to many factors so you'll need a full range of examinations to find the cause. Additionally, you may need another ultrasound examination. You can consult a gastroenterologist to request the following diagnostics:

You can request another examination of the liver status: ALT, AST(SGPT), alkal phosphatasis, γ-GT, bilirubin (direct and indirect), albumin, fibrinogen etc. Serological tests (HBs-Ag, Anti-HCV, for infective mononucleosis) can also be requested. Standard blood analyses (blood count, sedimentation, hemoglobin, hematocrit…) are usual. A kidney status reading (urea, creatinin, uric acid, urine examination…) is also necessary.

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