Liver function tests are designed to check for liver infections, monitor side effects of some medications and to monitor the progression and severity of diseases affecting the liver. Enzymes in the liver include alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and L-lactate dehydrogenase, as reported by MayoClinic.com. There are many diseases and conditions that can cause elevated liver enzymes.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus found in the blood and feces of infected people. The virus is spread through contact with contaminated food or water. PennState Hershey Medical Center states there are about 100,000 infections of hepatitis A every year in the United States.
Elevated liver enzymes on a liver function test can indicate the presence of hepatitis A. Recommendations for treatment of hepatitis A includes avoiding fatty foods, since the liver is unable to produce adequate secretions to digest fats.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of elevated liver enzymes in adults in the United States, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. NAFLD is the buildup of more than 5 to 10 percent of your liver's weight in fat. The most likely candidates for developing NAFLD include people with risk factors such as high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, diabetes or obesity.
Treatment options for NAFLD include maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet and regular exercise, reports the American Liver Foundation.
Cholesterol Medications
Statins are a group of cholesterol medications that have been associated with an elevated liver enzyme level. Statins are used in the treatment of high cholesterol to block the substance your body needs to produce cholesterol. Liver damage is one of the potentially serious side effects of statins. Blood tests are recommended at six weeks after starting statin medication to check liver enzymes for any indication of damage.
Recommended lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol, with or without statins, include eating a diet low in cholesterol, salt and fat; exercising and reducing stress.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is the leading analgesic to treat mild to moderate pain in the elderly, reports The Merck Manual of Geriatrics. Long-term daily doses higher than 4,000 mg can cause irreversible liver damage. In some cases, long-term use of lower doses may cause liver damage, which is indicated by an elevated liver enzyme count.
