Many diseases can affect the liver and cause it to function abnormally. When this occurs, a liver function test will reveal abnormal liver enzyme levels. Once the underlying cause of disturbed liver functioning is found, steps can be taken to help treat the condition and restore liver function.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A, B and C can all cause elevated liver enzymes on a liver function test, says MayoClinic.com. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, describes hepatitis as a group of viral infections of the liver that cause inflammation. Hepatitis A is an acute infection that can last weeks to months, and is typically caused by ingesting fecal matter or contaminated food or drinks, says the CDC. Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic, and is usually transmitted sexually, through sharing infected needles, or infected mother-to-child transmission. Hepatitis C can be an acute disease but is usually chronic, and is transmitted through blood, usually through sharing infected needles. Although there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, vaccines exist for Hepatitis A and B.
Obesity
Abnormal liver enzymes may also be caused by obesity, according to MayoClinic.com. Obesity is determined by the body mass index, or BMI, which is a calculation of height and body weight; a BMI of 30 or more indicates that an individual is obese. Genetics, family history, economic factors and age can all be risk factors for becoming obese, but regular exercise, a healthy diet and monitoring weight gain can all help prevent obesity. In addition to abnormal liver enzymes, obesity can also cause problems like blood lipid abnormalities, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, stroke and type 2 diabetes, MayoClinic.com states.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, a disease seemingly unrelated to the liver, can be a cause of abnormal liver function. The University of Chicago describes celiac disease as an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine; it afflicts more than 3 million Americans. When an individual with the disease eats gluten, the body responds by attacking itself in the small intestine and prevents the body from absorbing nutrients. Villi on the small intestine that aid in absorption are destroyed, further preventing the body from obtaining needed nutrients. Symptoms of the disease include chronic abdominal bloating, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, anemia or osteoporosis, according to the University of Chicago. Treatment for celiac disease involves eating a completely gluten-free diet; this will help heal the intestine and prevent further damage.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer may be another culprit behind abnormal liver function tests. Liver cancer can include hepatocellular carcinoma, bile duct cancers, hepatoblastomas and hemangiosarcomas, according to the American Cancer Society. Symptoms of the disease can include unintentional weight loss, nausea or vomiting, early satiety, abdominal bloating, high blood calcium levels, yellowing of the skin or eyes and fever. Blood tests, imaging tests like ultrasounds and biopsies can all help diagnose liver cancer.
