Fatty Liver & Liver Function Test: Does Liver Function Test Shows Fatty Liver?

Fatty Liver & Liver Function Test: Does Liver Function Test Shows Fatty Liver?

You may develop fatty liver disease if excess fat accumulates in your liver. Read more: https://gastrohealth.com.sg/condition/fatty-liver/. This condition is divided into two main types: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD).

NAFLD is commonly associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, while AFLD is directly related to excessive alcohol consumption. Risk factors for fatty liver disease include poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and coexisting medical conditions.

Symptoms can range from none at all to fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice, with potential complications like liver inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis if left untreated. This article explains what a liver function test is and also clarifies whether it can show fatty liver. Keep reading!

What is a Liver Function Test?

Liver function tests (LFTs) are blood tests that measure various enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver. The most common tests include Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin levels. Each test serves a specific purpose:

  • ALT and AST: These enzymes are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged, often indicating liver inflammation.
  • ALP: Elevated levels can indicate bile duct problems or liver disease.
  • Bilirubin: High levels may suggest liver dysfunction or bile duct issues.

LFTs are conducted by drawing blood from a vein, typically in the arm, and analyzing the sample in a laboratory. These tests can help detect liver damage, inflammation, and bile duct problems. However, they do not provide a definitive diagnosis of specific liver conditions, such as fatty liver disease.

So, does Liver Function Test Show Fatty Liver?

While liver function tests can indicate liver inflammation or damage through elevated enzyme levels, they have limitations in diagnosing fatty liver specifically. Elevated ALT and AST levels may suggest liver issues, but these enzymes are not exclusive to fatty liver disease.

Other conditions, such as viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and certain medications, can also raise these enzyme levels. To diagnose fatty liver disease, additional diagnostic tools are necessary.

Imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI can visualize fat accumulation in the liver. Among these, ultrasound is often the first-line imaging test due to its non-invasive nature and accessibility.

In some cases, a liver biopsy might be required to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of liver damage. Emerging technologies like FibroScan and Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) offer non-invasive alternatives to assess liver stiffness, which correlates with fibrosis and fatty liver.

Interpreting liver function test results involves understanding normal vs. abnormal ranges and what elevated levels might indicate. Normal ranges for liver enzymes can vary slightly between laboratories, but generally:

  • ALT: 7-56 units per liter
  • AST: 10-40 units per liter
  • ALP: 44-147 units per liter
  • Bilirubin: 0.1-1.2 milligrams per deciliter

Elevated enzyme levels can indicate liver inflammation or damage, but not necessarily fatty liver. So, it is important that these results are correlated with symptoms and medical history.

For instance, mildly elevated ALT and AST levels in an asymptomatic individual with risk factors for fatty liver (e.g., obesity, diabetes) might prompt further investigation with imaging studies. Conversely, significantly elevated levels or abnormal results in multiple LFTs could suggest more severe liver disease, requiring comprehensive evaluation and management.

How can Fatty Liver be managed?

You are not at a significant risk if what you’re dealing with is an early-stage NAFLD. However, you must not take it casually as it can cause significant liver damage including liver cirrhosis. What’s more, elevated levels of fat in your liver can also exacerbate your risks of other serious health issues like strokes, heart attacks, and diabetes.

Now, managing fatty liver involves several lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medical interventions. If you have Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) without other medical issues, no special treatment is needed.

However, you may want to make some lifestyle changes to control or reverse fat buildup in your liver. These changes may include:

  • Losing weight: Achieving a healthy weight can significantly reduce liver fat. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% of your body weight can improve liver health. Combining a balanced diet with regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, is an effective way to shed excess pounds and enhance liver function.
  • Lowering cholesterol and triglycerides: Managing these levels through diet or medication helps reduce liver fat. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as those in nuts and olive oil, can help. Also, medications like statins may be prescribed to help control cholesterol levels.
  • Controlling diabetes: Keeping blood sugar levels in check is crucial. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, adhering to a diabetes-friendly diet, and taking prescribed medications can help manage diabetes. This, in turn, reduces the risk of further liver damage.
  • Avoiding alcohol: Alcohol can exacerbate liver damage. Even moderate alcohol consumption can worsen NAFLD. It’s essential to eliminate or significantly reduce alcohol intake to prevent further harm to your liver. Opt for non-alcoholic beverages and be mindful of alcohol content in foods and medications.

For Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), where liver inflammation and damage are present, no medication can reverse the fat buildup. However, managing the condition is crucial to prevent further liver damage. Treatments and lifestyle changes may include:

  • Losing weight: Weight loss can help improve liver health and reduce inflammation. Aim for a gradual and sustainable weight loss approach, incorporating a combination of dietary changes and regular exercise. Avoid crash diets, as they can stress the liver further.
  • Medication to reduce cholesterol or triglycerides: Keeping these levels low is essential. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as statins or fibrates to manage high cholesterol and triglycerides, which can contribute to liver fat accumulation.
  • Medication to reduce blood pressure: Controlling hypertension can prevent further liver damage. Blood pressure medications, along with lifestyle changes like reducing sodium intake and increasing physical activity, can help manage high blood pressure.
  • Medication to control diabetes: Effective diabetes management is vital. This may involve taking insulin or other diabetes medications, following a balanced diet, and regularly monitoring blood sugar levels to keep them within a healthy range.
  • Limiting over-the-counter drugs: Reducing the use of certain medications can prevent additional liver strain. Non-prescription medications, especially pain relievers like acetaminophen, can be harmful to the liver in large quantities. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking new medications.
  • Avoiding alcohol: Staying away from alcohol is critical to avoid worsening liver damage. Alcohol can accelerate liver disease progression, so complete abstinence is often recommended for those with NASH.
  • Seeing a liver specialist: Regular consultations can help monitor and manage the condition. A liver specialist can provide tailored advice, track the progression of the disease, and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Closing Thoughts

Liver function tests can help in assessing liver health. However, it is important to acknowledge that they have limitations in diagnosing fatty liver disease.

A combination of tests and imaging studies can provide a comprehensive view and allow for early detection and proactive management. Early intervention and lifestyle modifications can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications.

Are you worried about fatty liver and you’re considering fatty liver & liver function tests in Singapore? Drop us a line today to schedule your appointment. Details below;

Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore

6A Napier Rd, #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block,

Singapore 258500

+65 6355 5773

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