What to do if the seven liver function tests are abnormal

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, abnormal results in the seven liver function tests may be related to factors such as alcohol consumption, insufficient sleep, fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, or viral hepatitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Additionally, reducing intake of fats and sugars while increasing consumption of dietary fiber and vitamins can help maintain overall health.

Generally, the seven liver function tests refer to the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in blood tests. Abnormalities in these seven liver function indicators may be related to factors such as alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, viral hepatitis, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption increases the burden on the liver and damages liver cells, leading to abnormalities in the seven liver function indicators. It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce alcohol intake.

2. Sleep Deprivation

Long-term lack of sleep can impair the liver's ability to repair and regenerate, resulting in reduced liver function and subsequent abnormalities in the seven liver function tests. It is recommended to ensure sufficient sleep duration and improve sleep quality.

3. Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver is commonly caused by genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stress. Excessive fat accumulation in the liver damages liver cells, thereby affecting normal liver function and causing abnormalities in the seven liver function indicators. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as obesity, constipation, and fatigue. Treatment may involve medications such as simvastatin tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, and polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, as directed by a physician.

4. Alcoholic Hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is generally associated with long-term excessive alcohol consumption. During alcohol metabolism in the liver, toxic acetaldehyde is produced, which directly damages liver cells, leading to abnormal results in the seven liver function tests. Common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. Treatment may involve medications such as reduced glutathione for injection, compound glycyrrhizinic acid injection, and potassium chloride injection, as directed by a physician.

5. Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is usually caused by viral infections. When the liver is infected by a virus, liver cells are damaged, leading to abnormal liver function. Symptoms such as jaundice, pain in the liver area, and reduced appetite may also occur. Treatment options may include entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, and diammonium glycyrrhizinate injection, as recommended by a physician.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensure a balanced diet, reduce intake of fats and sugars, and increase consumption of dietary fiber and vitamins to help maintain overall health.