Liver function tests, commonly known as LFTs, are blood tests that measure enzymes and other liver proteins in the blood. These tests help doctors check how well a person’s liver is functioning.

The liver plays a vital role in many of the body’s metabolic processes, such as filtering the blood, breaking down toxins and producing bile, which is necessary for digestion.

Liver function tests are often included as part of a routine physical examination or as a follow-up test for people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

If LFTs are abnormal, it’s important to find out the cause and start appropriate treatment.

What are Abnormal LFT Results?

When a liver function test is performed, it measures certain enzymes and proteins in the blood that are produced by the liver.

Abnormal results indicate that these enzymes and proteins are not at their correct levels, which suggests that the liver may not be functioning properly. Abnormal LFT results can indicate a variety of liver conditions, including:.

Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
Liver cancer or metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread to the liver from another part of the body)
Alcoholic liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Autoimmune hepatitis (when the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver)
Drug-induced liver injury (when medication or supplements damage the liver)

Symptoms of Abnormal LFT Results

In many cases, abnormal LFT results do not cause any noticeable symptoms. Symptoms of liver dysfunction may not appear until the liver has been damaged significantly. When symptoms do appear, they may include:.

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Abdominal swelling or pain
Dark urine
Fatigue or weakness
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Itching
Easy bruising or bleeding

Causes of Abnormal LFT Results

There are many different causes of abnormal LFT results, including:.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by 5 different viruses including A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis B and C are the most common forms and can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver is scarred and cannot function properly. Cirrhosis is caused by long-term damage to the liver from alcoholism, hepatitis B and C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and certain medications.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer can develop in the liver itself, or it can spread from another part of the body. The most common form of liver cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma, which accounts for 75% of all liver cancer cases.

In most cases, liver cancer is caused by cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B or C.

Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and heavy drinking can damage liver cells resulting in inflammation, scar tissue, cirrhosis and liver failure.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver, causing inflammation and scarring. This condition is commonly associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Accumulation of fat in the liver can cause inflammation and impair liver function resulting in liver scarring and failure.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the liver cells, causing inflammation and damage to the liver. Commonly, it affects women and young adults. The exact cause of autoimmune hepatitis is unknown.

However, it’s hypothesized that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to it.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury

A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications, supplements, and herbals can cause drug-induced liver injuries. This can occur due to incorrect dosages, prolonged or inappropriate consumption, or allergy to the medication.

Commonly implicated drugs and supplements include acetaminophen, statins, and steroids.

Diagnosis of Abnormal LFT Results

If liver function tests are abnormal, your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the cause of the abnormal results. Your doctor may suggest a liver biopsy to take a small piece of liver tissue to evaluate it under a microscope.

Other diagnostic tests are Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan (computerized tomography), and ultrasonography. Blood tests for hepatitis viruses and autoimmune diseases are also conducted.

Treatments for Abnormal LFT Results

The treatment for abnormal liver function tests depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and medical procedures. Treatment strategies include:.

Antiviral medications for hepatitis
Alcohol abstinence for alcoholic liver disease
Steroids or other immunosuppressant drugs for autoimmune hepatitis
Weight loss and exercise for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Surgery or chemotherapy for liver cancer
Liver transplant if the liver has failed

Prevention of Abnormal LFT Results

There are ways to prevent abnormal LFT results by leading a healthy lifestyle with avoidance of alcohol, drugs and exposure to infections.

Other preventative measures includes:.

Maintaining a balanced diet
Maintaining healthy body weight
Practicing good hygiene to avoid infections like Hepatitis viruses
Avoiding the use of illicit drugs
Keeping medications in their correct dosages
Monitoring your health and getting blood tests as recommended

Conclusion

Abnormal liver function tests are a warning sign indicating that there is a something wrong with the liver. Abnormal LFT results can be indicative of several problems, including infections, cirrhosis and cancer.

If liver function test results are abnormal, it is vital to get appropriate treatment and management strategies to prevent further damage to your liver. You can maintain a healthy liver and prevent abnormal LFT results by embracing a healthier lifestyle coupled with close monitoring of prescription medication dosages as well as regular check-ups with your physician.