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Those aren't good numbers, I don't guess. The first two numbers are liver enzymes. Those numbers wouldn't be for an adult, anyway and I suspect not for children either.
I don't understand exactly what LDH is, but it seems it could indicate any number of things but that they need to do tests to diagnose what an elevated level means. I wish I understood that better.
As for reassurance, we all run into things we'd rather not during the course of treatment and recovery. That in no way indicates we're not going to come out smelling like roses. We often do.
I do know that elevated numbers can indicate a lot of things. A lot of times they just have to check further under the hood to rule out some of the less than good causes so they can move forward expecting the whole thing to clear up as recovery goes on.
Please keep us informed.
Blessings
Thank you! She is feeling great and the numbers have started to trend down. They will repeat her labs Thursday and hopefully things will still be going in the right direction. It's hard not to read into every test result! The roller coaster ride that goes on and on....
I hope this was just a blip on the radar screen and it all goes away soon. I know it's tough to avoid reading stuff into the tests, but about every time I did I was wrong. After over eight years I've decided to just let my doc tell me what it means. Maybe you can learn something from my experience? 
Blessings
Erica,
Not being a doctor, I cannot say for sure, but these combinations of high ALT, AST, and LDH are indication of some kind of disease, it could be liver or kidney. In my own fight I've encountered several time where my numbers were not optimal at one point, then back to normal at the next check up. If this is an isolated test, I wouldn't put too much emphasis on it. Check with your doctor to see if he'd like to rerun the tests, it could be that it's worked itself out by now.
My LDH has gotten as high 800's. And even then, they continue to monitor, but nothing was done based on the blood results alone.
Best of luck, and let us know how it goes,
~~ Ellie
Thanks for responding....so far they have tested her for every virus under the sun...all negative. Her last round of labs showed the numbers still way high, but trending down. She will go back for more labs Thursday.
Well, clinic on Thursday didn't go as we hoped. McKinley's liver numbers climbed once again. So the theory is she had a virus that irritated her liver (even though all the virus labs came back negative) and Mepron (which she's been on for over a year) is further aggravating the situation. So they are re-sending the virus tests in case she picked up a different virus in the last week and stopping Mepron. She will have an ultrasound of her liver and have her levels checked again on Tuesday. If her numbers go down we wait and see, if not we schedule a liver biopsy......stay tuned.....really hoping it is as simple as just stopping the Mepron.
Her labs over the last couple of weeks....
1/6 1/9 1/19
AST 599 ...... 375 ..... 1008
ALT 878 ....... 665 ...... 797
LDH 362 ....... ??? ....... 716
On a brighter note we got the official call yesterday that McKinley's Make-A-Wish in GRANTED!!!
Thanks for checking in with us,
Erica
I hope with you that it's just some medication and that it's a virus that can be treated easily. Please keep us informed.
What was her wish?
Blessings
This is my first time posting ever, my son now19 had a MUD for AML PIF in early 2008. He's been doing well with issues GVHD etc. he has a limited range of motion in his upper body, which improved a lot through PT and Gleevec. He is no longer able to straighten out his arms, but not a big deal. Also his hair never came back, he still looks bald.
We have had elevated Liver enzymes for a long time, since June of 2011. After 2 Biopsies and Ultrasound he will be treated for autoimmune Hepatitis. The thought of having him on Inuram more than scares me, I was wondering if anyone has some feedback.
I've been living with high ALT, AST and phosphates since my SCT back in '04. At least that's how long we know they've been high. Turns out I have a minor and unrelated liver disease so we don't really know how long they've been high. We probably never would have found it without my SCT.
My numbers did go down from pretty darned high to just a little over the limits over the past years and some of that has to do with treatment I received for it. Guess I'm just writing to say we can live with somewhat elevated numbers. No one's worried much about this liver thing, though we do image it once a year just to keep track of it.
Also, the liver disease has made my spleen swell a little and that has blocked the smooth transport of my blood cells, especially my PLT and I run low PLT all the time. So, if he starts showing low PLT, that would be a place to start looking as to why.
Blessings
Hello Tex and thank you for responding. His numbers have been elevated for 1.5 years...we have had 2 ultrasounds and 2 Biopsies both not showing anything conclusive. They detected a few cells for autoimmune Hepatitis and some minimal scarring, we held off on the treatment this summer. However back then his numbers were lower, in October his AST was only 160 ALT 366 and 162 TBILI 0.5
In Novemer they sky rocket to AST 581. ALT 1067. And ALK 223 TBILI 2.0. The numbers came down to 454,196 and 273.
His Ferritin was around 1700 and we we know he had a huge amount of Transfussions, but they are focused on autoimmune. He nerver had Liver issues until 3+ years after Transplant. He has some GVHD but it effects his range of motion and did the skin at one point. The range of motion was the worst and effected his upper body, that's why he was on Gleevec, but that was discontinued last in early January due to the Liver.
So the only meds he took was Synthroid .....he started Prednisone 40mg daily in mid Nov, the next med to add would be the Imuran . So my heartache is the possible side effects of Imuran.......autoimmune Hepatitis is a expected to be a life long treatment . His BMT docs haven't had another patient like him, we joke about him doing everything different, but I am beyond nervous with this treatment plan. He's doing good, going to college finally found a job and like it, living life as best he can. March will be his 5 year mark for Remission and Transplant :)...as far as his blood work it looks good PLT have been between 300 -400 for years.
You know, I'm beginning to suspect that transplant replaces really bad autoimmune issues with a whole mess of other ones which, hopefully, aren't that bad. Sometimes that's more of a judgment call (hepatitis is better than cancer, right?) My liver issue is whatever the heck it is but I have picked up Celiac disease, likely from my donor, which is autoimmune. It sucks, but there you are...we're alive when we wouldn't have been otherwise.
My phosphates spent a good time in the mid-250s. I never had ALT or AST counts anywhere near that high (November counts). Good they started trending down.
I wouldn't think that a ferritin count of 1,700 would produce much of an issue but they decided to start leeching me from 1,000 when they discovered my liver issue. So that might be something they want to address at some point. To me the bottom line would be to take a look at that liver afresh without any attempt to tie it to his transplant. My liver issue is freestanding...it would be there even if I'd never had AML/SCT.
Is he seeing a hepatologist? If not, it might be time.
Blessings
I absolutely agree with sometimes replacing "issues" or as I say sometimes stopping one evil for another. Yes autoimmune Hepatitis is better than cancer, BUT the possible side effected can bring other malignancies right back.....
So this is why I struggle so much, yes we have been seeing a Hepatologist ( actually 2nd, since first was not comfortable taking on his case) at a Specialty Transplant and Liver Failure Clinic, which are supposed to be #1 in TX.
I agree that it his is probably unrelated, but we do not have a positive or conclusive Biopsy, so what if this is more than 1 issue? I do wonder about the combination of things. Overall he's done we'll in the last five years, we had our ups and downs just like everyone else. He certainly is a Miracle, he received Salvage Chemo before his Transplant and did well for what he's been through. He's already on 40 mg Prednisone to which they will add Imuran sooner or later (waiting for testing to see if his body can get rid off it) . I guess I have to see the next Bloodwork and if his counts continue downwards accept that this is it?
Sorry if I seem cavalier about being cured. Some of the stuff I'm dealing with can cause future cancers and I understand the attitudes that fact can bring. I guess I kind of look at it from a live to fight another day perspective.
I guess the biggest thing is that he has done well over the last five years. That should signal a tendency to be able to fight this stuff off. It gets old. God, it gets old. But it also makes us tough bastards that are hard to take down.
You know, I've rethought my response to the ferritin level. They were concerned about scarring at 1,000 with a active liver problem. You might want to check if they think it's a good time to do some draws to get his count down.
Blessings
Tex,
that is the best way to look at it for sure, luckily my son has a very upbeat attitude. While I know that he has truly come a loooooooong way and could be worse, it does get old, there is so much more you want for your children.... Anyway he has been on Prednisone for almost 4 weeks, his numbers are better, yet I'm not convinced autoimmune Hepatitis is it. We will see his Hepatologist this coming week and I will ask more questions, again.
He feels better(more energy) since taking the prednisone, but his numbers are still high. He's had different things going on in the last few years...limited mobility(not able to straighten his arms) and muscle spasms, I do believe the liver issue might be totally unrelated but also think there is more than one thing going on or causing this. He has food allergies now he hasn't had before, we met his Donor and he did not inherit it there. The reason why I am so worried about the Imuran is bc of family history on both sides. I will ask about the ferritin level. He's been fighting a cold for weeks now, not to bad really, but he just can't shake it and his suppressed Immune System does not help. I am just a Mom with a gut feeling, I know worrying doesn't help, but I guess thats what I do. Hopefully we will find some more answers, this has been going on for 1.5 years. On the other hand he has his big 5 year mark for Transplant/Remission coming up in March:)
Ppms wrote:
it does get old
Lord, do I hear that. Apparently my SCT just opened the door for a lot of auto immune issues to move in. I've got to talk to my onc about that the next time I see him. Anyway, I don't know that I could recap all of the stuff that's been dx'd with me since my transplant. I'm like a walking medical book.
So, you have my absolute sympathy. It seems that blood cancer and a transplant should be enough for one lifetime but it just doesn't seem to go away for all of us, But I have lived to fight another day a number of times, so far. And I hope to be very old when I lose that ability. I hope the same for your son.
Are they resisting giving him a biopsy? I had to argue with my docs for almost two years to finally get a biopsy of my liver. They thought it was too invasive. They finally sent me to my hepatologist and she said, hell, yeah, let's get a biopsy!
About his allergies, I wonder if his donor does have allergies but has a strong system that fights them back. It might be that he can do this while your son's immune system isn't there, yet. It's not quite five years old. Whatever, you might take him to an allergist. Also, check the EOS on his next CBC and see how they're doing.
I do think your thoughts about this being more than one thing are quite possibly right. One thing I've found out is that things don't tend to happen in a vacuum. We started out trying to figure out why my PLT were low and, of course, assumed it was SCT related. That finally led us to another issue that had been dogging me, my high liver enzymes. But it was only after they'd looked at both issues individually that they were able to connect the two. It took a lot of money, a number of tests and a very long time to sort it all out.
Please keep us informed about what you find out.
Blessings
Tex,
I really do not have any news....we went back to his Hepatologist a month ago and are scheduled again next Friday. One thing I learned again is follow your gut!!! It turns out, that he is of course(sarcasm) one of the few, who cannot take the standard treatment for autoimmune Hepatitis. But regardless of that, his Liver enzymes were supposed to go back to the normal range and did not, therefor without the positive Biopsy and without the positive effect of Prednisone, they are weaning him of the Prednisone. So at the moment he continues to be a Mystery Diagnosis. This has been going on for 1.5+ years, we are at the 2nd Hepatologist, who said we could get another opinion...not sure where to go. We do like his Doc, they are supposed to be top notch in TX and asked her to reach out to her network, we followed up with his BMT right after and they do not have any answers either. So for now his counts are better, elevated but better....should they rise again we will go for the 3rd !!! Biopsy, but so far they have nothing.
He's doing good though, in college and working part time. Next month is the Huge 5!!!!! You know how big that step is, our Miracle has come a long way. AML M1 Primary Induction Failure with CNS Involvement, March is his Remission and Transplant Anniversary
I think it's autoimmune, but which one??? He's been testing positive for Sjogrens for years, no symptoms, just dry eyes and his ANA has been high for a long time.
One thing that he has had for at least a year is this fatigue, a lot more when his enzymes go up. His joints bother him more often, but overall he can't complain. If they come up with something new, I will let you know. I have read a lot on this board, but don't seem to find someone active with similar issues. Except you, you have your share of medical mysteries as well. Hope all is going well for you and thanks for listening.
It took over five years to figure out what was up with my liver enzymes. It could be there were a number of things early on or that one issue followed the last but we finally settled on a name for it, anyway. Knowing the name helps so much just knowing someone has seen it before, if nothing else.
I'd keep pushing for a biopsy if they won't give you one. I can't remember what part of TX you're in but, for some reason, as I was reading your note, the words Scott & White in Temple popped into my mind. That is not a clinic that I think about often but I remember my mother-in-law was having some kind of mystery issue and she went there and they got her straightened out. I think most Texans know of them but S&W is kind of the Mayo Clinic of Texas. You might check out their web site and/or give them a call. I don't know if they could help but I'd certainly ask.
At any rate, minus the occasional off day, it's good he's doing well and I'm glad to hear it. The fatigue might be a lifetime shadow that follows him around. A lot of us are slammed with it, though most young people do better.
You know, whatever else I face, I have to remember that without the transplant I'd have been dead at least five years and probably more by now. If I die today, I've had a helluva bonus. Not that I'm suggesting such a bleak approach, I'm just saying, things could always be worse. Perspective is a true gift.
Please keep us updated if only to say, "no update." And keep fighting The Man.
Blessings
Tex,
we go to Methodist in SA, but do have his Endo at S&W. His 1st Biopsy was ordered by the BMT at Methodist, after the numbers kept going up and down they wanted us to go see a Hepatologist. We started out at S&W (which is closer), however that Doctor was very nice, but not comfortable or experienced enough for his case (her words). So we went with our BMT's suggestion to see someone in SA at there Specialty Transplant Hospital (Liver/Kidney) and had Biopsy #2 last summer. At our last appt his numbers were improved but they are already climbing again, we had labs done last week....
So we now have seen a total of 4 Hepatologist, 3 out of the #1 rated Texas Hospital. At our last visit in the beginning of March we were told that he is a medical Phenomenon....this doc spend 2+ hours looking at the numbers and shaking his head. I was relieved with the labs at the end of Feb, but now we are back at 162 AST/378ALT and 157ALK. Those numbers have been up and down for 21 months, never back to normal. Now he did order a GGT which is also sky high at 1200+ not sure if that gives them any clues.
So I assume we see his Doctor next time, she had an emergency and we were running late after having tire issues on our way there. She was reaching out to her network in the US to see if someone else had a simular case, but so far there is nothing. So I still have nothing new to share, we just move on I guess, he's doing pretty good. The fatigue is getting worse again, that's usually what happens when the enzymes are on the rise. There are more blood test ordered and pending, to see if the fatigue comes from the Hypothyroid or any other hormonal issues? He also has had High Cholesterol for a while, we were always told has to do with the Liver, but I don"t think so. This runs in the family, but none wants to start treating yet, that could be another issue on the liver. I am pretty certain Biopsy 3 will be not to far out, which is fine but so far nothing came back on the first 2.
Hope you are doing well!!!!!
Sometimes these stupid boards just lose messages for awhile. There are times when something pops up three days to a week after it was posted. But this is the LLS and this seems to be the type of software and service they're okay with on these forums. I'm sorry you had to write it twice but do appreciate the information.
I wouldn't be surprised to learn that a lot of his fatigue is caused by the continuing fluctuations in his endocrine system. That's got to take a toll on a person's energy and focus. I'm sure as heck not suggesting a dx here but it could be a factor.
Does the pathology from his biopsies show any abnormalities at all? If not, well, I'm totally stumped. Then again, if a doc at S&W doesn't want to risk messing with him and other docs don't know what's going on, the fact I'm stumped isn't exactly surprising, is it? 
But it does seem as if there should be something showing up on the pathology reports.
As I understand it, cholesterol,does originate in the liver. My family has a history of it, too and it recently became something they thought needed to be addressed. A cardiologist wanted to put me on a statin, probably Lipitor. I reminded her of my liver condition and she and my hepatologist got together and decided to put me on a cholesterol med that binds it in the stomach. I figure that helps control any contributions to my cholesterol from food. Don't know what that does with my body's tendency to produce excess cholesterol. But it's something. I'll find the name of the med if you'd like so you can ask the docs about it. (I have the generic and no clue what the trade name of the med is.)
Well, since ya'll had already done what I suggested, they must've been good ideas. I'm sorry you hadn't already found answers. Please keep us updated as you learn more. And we're here if/when/however often you need to vent.
Blessings
Funny you used the word stumped....that is exactly what his BMT Team said before they referred us. His TSH and F4 seems ok, so I don't think it's the thyroid. He's been on meds for the last 3 years, so it seems they found the dose that works for him. As for the Biopsies, no nothing abnormal, he had some cells you find with autoimmune hepatitis, but nothing conclusive.
That is why they started the high dose prednisone when his enzymes went over 1000 in Nov. if you have autoimmune Hep. The Prednisone is supposed to bring down the enzymes, which did not happen, so he was taken off the meds.
Now you can have autoimmune hep without the positive Biopsy, also sometime Prednisone does not bring down the numbers.....and then there is the Pill called Imuran...used for the treatment . Well they did a test and Patrick can't break it down like most...less than 5% have that issue. So there is a lot of speculation, no answers and unless we have something conclusive, I don't want him to be treated. He's always been the different rare case, he's doing well, but his body has taken a beating and unless they are sure I don't want any more try this or that.
Next Monday the 25th will be HUGE, 5 years out of Transplant. Patrick is the perfect example of NEVER give up.....AML Primary Induction Failure, CNS involvement! Salvage Chemo, achieved Remission about 2 weeks before his Transplant........So ther is always HOPE!!!!With all he's been through, he's doing we'll, going to College and working and enjoying life as best he can. As his Mom it's very hard to not be able to fix this, but you know it gets frustrating. So sometimes I try not to worry about it, because I can't change it. I will let you know if we find an answer. His BMT said a while back, patients who struggle with chronic GVHD for years tend to have autoimmune issues. I did run into an article on that a while back.
Simone
You might just ask specifically if the pathologist is looking for signs or nodular regenerative hyperplasia. This is apparently an autoimmune liver condition that is showing up in a higher (than general) population among BMT/SCT patients. I think it's especially relevant if your son had Busulfan as a conditioning chemo. It might be they're simply not testing for it as it's not a common condition.
That's the name of my liver condition and the long journey to getting it dx'd is how I've become versed on the subject.
Time flies, it's already been a month since I last posted here. Well I did ask about the NRH and there are no signs of that. Usually it shows up in the Biopsy, but the bloodwork would look different. By now we have met with 4 adult Hepatologist and his case was also represented to a pediatric one by his BMT Doctor . No answers, his enzymes continue to be elevated with little change. We went this past week and there is no rhyme or reason to his case. I know his BMT Docs set down and made a chart of the last 2 years of his enzymes and it's up and down. We decided for the 3rd Biopsy, which will be peformed at the end of May, to make sure there are no changes in his Liver. Maybe they find something, but mainly to make sure his Liver is not getting worse. He had a little scaring at previous 2, but it wasn't bad, we just need to stay on top of this. One of his Doctor mentioned there is a world class Doc at Baylor, if we wanted another opinion, but I think we have enough for now. One of the the assumptions/guesses is toxicity, this is what they thought in the beginning and this is what my son thinks it is, but how long should it last??? Or maybe that's a guess they come back to since no one has answers.
Now his BMT Team is currently doing more testing to see if he has a Immune deficiency. On one of the many test ordered, they noticed that he does not show protection from one of his shots. He did complete the 1st year of re-immunizations, hasn't done the 2nd yet.....and we are 5 years out. Anyway he did not show any protection from the Pneumonia Vaccine, so he just had another shot and they will re-test. He also had to repeat the Hepatitis shot last year at double dose. So now BMT is wondering if his B cells are working correctly. That has nothing to do with Liver, but something they came across and since Patrick has a lot of colds and catches anything easy they wondering. I do know they wanted him re vaccinated asap. We just continue to test everything possible out there. He's doing well, I say the Fatigue is the biggest thing, but can't complain. Hopefully you are doing well too!! There is not much going on, but that is good just trying to enjoy Life as best we can.
The only thing I remember about my blood work was that I had high liver enzymes (bilirubin was fine) and my PLT were really low. I keep seeing "hematologist" but haven't seen "gastroenterologist" or "hepatologist" represented in the list of docs you've seen. Whatever else, a hep might be able to bring some new eyes to the situation. If it's not NRH, it might be any number of autoimmune or liver issues.
I just keep thinking back to all of my hem-oncs and even the gastro at the Hutch kept telling me it wasn't anything they could find. Turns out it was staring them in the face but they didn't know enough about it to recognize it.
Good hunting and keep us posted.
Blessings
Hello Tex,
not sure, my long message just disappeared 
. So let's try this again, we are seen at Methodist in SA, he does have an Endocrinologist at S&W (which is closer to us). So the first Biobspy was ordered by the BMT Team in SA and after the numbers didn't improve, it was decided he be better seen by a Hepatologist. We started a S&W, but the Doctor did not feel comfortable or experienced enough for his case (her words). So went with his BMT's advice to see someone in SA at the Transplant Specialty Hospital (Liver/Kidney). We have now seen a total of 4 Hepatologist, 3 of them from the #1 Liver Transplant Center in TX.
At out last visit the numbers were better, but they are already on the rise again , we had labs done last week and there are still some pending. This Doc added one the GGT which is sky high at over 1200. His AST is now 162/367ALT and 157 ALK, they have not been normal on 21 months. Now his second Biopsy was performed at that Specialty Hospital in SA last Summer, I assume we will go for the 3rd sooner or later. So far nothing has shown any conclusive results really. We are scheduled on the 12th of April with his Doctor, she wanted to reach out to her network to see if anyone had a similar case in the US. The latest Doc spend 2+ hours looking at the number, shaking his head and told us that Patrick is a medical Phenomenon, so still no answers.
I did inquire about his Cholesterol, which has been high for some time. It does run in the family and sooner or later needs to be treated, noone wants to add another statin to his meds at the moment. He is now on 2.5mg Prednisone, which is I guess the standard treatment for autoimmune diseases. The only other meds he takes are Synthroid and Vitamin D for another 3 weeks.
Hope all is well with you!!!
Simone
The only meds he takes is Synthroid and Vitamin D. Gleevec was stopped almost a year ago since we suspected drug induced toxicity .
I had a MUD transplant in 2009, with significant skin and liver gvh following a year later. My LDH was in the 500's but is now 164. I think that happened naturally, although I took a statin for about 6 months. As for the the high liver numbers, I continue to have those. I'm on a drug called Ursidiol (sp?) for that, but last year I had a liver biopsy that showed no disease. They're treating it a gvh of the liver and say it will resolve eventually. My doctor's biggest concern right now is weaning me from prednisone.
Thank you for your reply, we know its not GVHD and haven't had liver issues until 3+years after Transplant. That's usually the first they look at GVHD and yes it usually resolves on its own with time, but that was ruled out good luck to you!
Hi,
My liver enzymes were high after chemo and the stem cell transplant had to be postponed until they got lower. My wife found this site and we started eating some of the foods on it and my liver enzymes dropped dramatically.
Whether it was due mainly to eating those foods or if they naturally fell, or a combination of both, we can't tell, but we continue to eat this stuff.
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/liver-cleanse-foods/
We don't do a "liver cleanse" we just add the foods on the list to our diet.
Nice contribution, Jim. We're generally wary about "natural healing" stuff around here but there's nothing wrong with eating better. Except broccoli and cauliflower. I wouldn't give you a dead rat for those.
Never think of beets anymore. This is the second reference I've seen in 24 hours. Should probably re-introduce them to my diet you thing? Someone trying to tell me something here?
Thank you Jim for your reply, we have been researching and trying to make better choices with food. Of course this is a Teen, so there is still a lot off improvement needed. I can't get him to eat some things, so we tried natural smoothies and fruit drinks as well as eating more apples and green things, lots of raw colorful things are the best. We didn't have Liver Issues during his Cancer Treatment or Transplant years ago, they started after being on Gleevec for chronic refractorary GVHD with scleroderma features, but he hasn't taken those in almost 15 months. We just don't know and try to make better choices, next Monday will be his 5 year Anniversary and we have been trying to get to the bottom of his Liver issues for almost 2 years.
