Increased AST normal ALT liver enzymes

    • July 18, 2013 at 3:31 pm

      Hi, I have been on IVIG for my CIDP for about two and a half years now. About two years ago my SGOT (AST) liver enzymes went up to about 55 (normal for that lab is 2 – 40). My physician has been following me for two years saying that it is a very mild elevation and only one enzyme SGOT (AST) is elevated not the other SGPT (ALT). So she said not to worry and just keep an eye on it. Well it has been two years and it came back again at 56 so it want up a little bit again. She still says just keep an eye on it since it is only slightly elevated. I don’t feel comfortable with just watching anymore. She said an elevated SGOT is usually due to alcohol consumptson. I don’t drink hardly at all. My question is has anyone ever had increased SGOT (AST) liver enzyme from IVIG? I am otherwise healthy. Everything else on blood work is good. Should I go see a liver specialist to try and get to the bottom of this. I have made an appointment but can’t get in for a month. Going to ask they do a more indepth liver panel and test me for Hepatitis. I know the chances of contracting hepatitis from IVIG is rare but i guess I want to rule this out. What about autoimmune hepatitis? Has anyone else had increased liver enzymes after starting IVIG?

    • July 20, 2013 at 12:50 pm

      Hi Chirpy – I Googled “IVIG & elevated liver enzymes” and this link came up: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12883923

      If you read through, it states ” Significant changes in laboratory findings were seen for leucocytes, erythrocytes, haematocrit, haemoglobin, ALAT and ASAT. None of these changes were clinically relevant. The elevation of liver enzymes was dependent on the IVIg preparation used, while there was no association with the underlying disease, age, or gender of the patient.”

      Perhaps you should speak with your dr about changing IVIG brands & making sure you switch to one that is prepared differently than the one you are currently using?

      Kelly