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Abnormal liver enzyme levels. The spectrum of causes
1Division of Gastroenterology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile.
Postgraduate Medicine
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Asymptomatic patients with persistently high liver enzymes need further testing to find the cause of liver injury. The pattern of enzyme elevation, not the amount, guides the diagnostic evaluation for hepatobiliary disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Persistent elevation of liver enzymes in asymptomatic individuals necessitates investigation.
- The magnitude of enzyme elevation does not correlate with disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of pattern recognition in liver enzyme elevations.
- To guide the diagnostic approach for asymptomatic hepatobiliary injury.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic guidelines for liver enzyme abnormalities.
- Analysis of clinical significance of hepatocellular versus cholestatic patterns.
Main Results:
- Hepatocellular and cholestatic patterns of enzyme elevation indicate different underlying pathologies.
- Diagnostic strategies should be tailored based on the observed enzyme pattern.
Conclusions:
- The pattern of liver enzyme elevation is a crucial factor in diagnosing hepatobiliary injury.
- Guiding the evaluation by enzyme pattern improves diagnostic accuracy in asymptomatic patients.