Liver Function Tests

From: Christine M. Smith (smithy@maine.rr.com)
Fri Nov 5 07:24:18 1999


Hi Helen:

I think things are still confused. I tried to reply to your post that was e-mailed to me and I was told I was not on the list, or something like that!

Liver Function tests (sometimes called LFT's or Hepatic Function Panel) are tests for enzymes that your liver produces. When the liver is working properly, these enzymes are at a certain level. I don't really know off hand the physiology behind this, but it is when these enzymes are elevated that the liver is not functioning properly. (I am sure there must be situations in which the liver enzymes are decreased as well) There are a bunch of these enzymes they test . I can't remember which are part of the common screening tests and which are more specialized. I could find out at work as I put orders into the computer system for "hepatic function panel" on patients and don't pay much attention to the individual tests that make up the screening panel.

Anything that affects your liver and causes it not to function properly and can affect these enzyme levels-drugs, alcohol, diseases like the various hepatitises etc. They monitor your progress with certain diseases by watching the liver enzymes go up or come down.

A drug level is a test for a certain drug's level in your bloodstream. (or perhaps a test of one of its by-products, in some cases) The level might indicate that it is high enough to be known to cause liver damage. I'm not sure if they then checked your liver tests and found them normal if this would indicate the drug hadn't affected your liver. (yet) but would alert the prescriber the potential was there.

Chris S.

Helen Dynda wrote:

> After searching from 1970-1975 for a doctor who would believe that I was
> suffering from chronic pain and who was willing and able to help me, I
> finally found a caring doctor - right in my hometown (population about
> 600). I have given a more in-depth account of my experience with this
> kind, compassionate doctor on the Adhesions Quilt.
>
> At my first appointment in September 1975 he prescribed 25 mgs of
> amitriptyline for me to take at bedtime - which he gradually increased
> by 25 mg increments every other week until I was finally receiving 150
> mgs.
>
> In the late 1980's I noticed that this medication was not helping me as
> much as it had previously - so my doctor gradually increased this
> medication until I was taking 225 mgs of amitriptyline every night at
> bedtime.
>
> Then in early 1990 this doctor, who had taken a personal interest in
> helping me with the chronic pain which was dominating my life, had to
> retire because of macular degeneration of his eyesight.
>
> Again I had to look for a doctor who would show me the same kind of care
> I had become accustomed to! I floundered from doctor to doctor in search
> of the right doctor for me. I can't say that I have found the right
> doctor yet.
>
> In January 1997 someone recommended a psychiatrist and a psychologist to
> me - both in the same medical facility. Both professional women are
> helping me to maintain my saniety in spite of continued pain - but pain
> at a much reduced level than it would be without medication and without
> counseling.
>
> My psychiatrist specializes in pain management. At my very first
> appointment she gave me a prescription to have a blood level of
> amitriptyline drawn. She was concerned that 225 mgs of this drug seemed
> awfully high for a therapeutic level. She was right!!
>
> My blood level of amitriptyline was 525 mg - a very toxic level!! I
> think this means it is at a toxic level for the liver to handle. I am
> not sure if this is what Beverly means by a liver function test though.
>
> So I concur with Beverly that it is important to request copies of all
> of your medical records - and also that you read and become familiar
> with your current health situation. You are the one and only person who
> can act in behalf of yourself when and if you discover information in
> your health records which causes you concern - such as information which
> your doctor perhaps failed to tell you.
>
> I am not saying that you should blame your doctor for mistakes you may
> find - but rather that you and your doctor work together to discuss and
> correct errors which you may find in your medical records.
>


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