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Reasons for Elevated Liver Function

Elevated liver function is the result of cell injury or inflammation inside the liver. It is characterized by the release of abnormal quantities of liver-related chemicals into the bloodstream. Detection of these heightened chemical markers is linked to numerous potential disease processes, and doctors sort through these potential sources to determine the reasons for elevated liver function.

  1. Hepatitis

    • Hepatitis is a common source of elevated liver function. It is most typically caused by one of five different viruses. You are at risk for hepatitis A and hepatitis E if you come into contact with food or drinking sources contaminated by fecal matter. You are at risk for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and hepatitis D if you come in contact with infected blood. Hepatitis B may also result from contact with infected semen or other body fluids, and also may be passed from mother to child.

    Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

    • If you are obese, you are also at risk for elevated liver function. Obesity may also heighten your chances for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. While the presence of this disease does not always lead to liver inflammation, it can lead to both liver inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis). A more serious form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is called steatohepatitis, which can ultimately lead to liver failure.

    Acetaminophen Overuse

    • You may also experience significant changes in liver function, or outright liver failure, from overuse of the over-the-counter medication acetaminophen (Tylenol). Be especially careful if you use acetaminophen tablets at the same time you take cough medications. These medications may contain acetaminophen in a less obvious form, and the combined dose may produce liver toxicity.

    Prescription Medication

    • Changes in your liver function can also result from the use of certain prescription medications. Statins, a class of medication used to lower cholesterol, have been specifically linked to these sorts of changes. Popularly prescribed statins include rosuvastatin (Crestor), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor). Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits of these medications.

    Alcohol Use

    • Drinking will also put you at risk for elevated liver function. While your body may be able to process small or occasionally moderate amounts of alcohol, drinking regular or large amounts of alcohol can trigger liver damage. Sustained high-level drinking may lead to progressive cirrhosis, a condition that may lead to liver cancer, liver failure or death. Drinking may also cause a particular form of hepatitis (liver inflammation) called alcoholic hepatitis. Unlike more conventional hepatitis, this condition will typically cease if you stop drinking.

    Liver Cancer

    • Liver cancer will also cause elevated liver function. While most liver cancers in the U.S. have spread (metastasized) from other locations, you may also develop tumor growth arising directly from the liver. Consult your doctor for advice on cancer screening.

    Other Potential Causes

    • A number of other diseases and conditions are directly related to elevated liver function, including cytomegalovirus infection, heart attack, celiac disease, autoimmune hepatitis, pancreatitis, mononucleosis, muscular dystrophy, gallbladder inflammation and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). In the course of full liver testing, your doctor will examine each of these potential causes. If you already suffer from a known ailment, your doctor may examine your liver function to determine the current state of your disease.

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