I have been recently denied insurance coverage due to elevated alkaline phosphastase in my liver, why?

Question

I was just denied insurance coverage due to an elevated level of alkaline phosphatase in my liver. I am on medication for high cholesterol (Zocor 40 mg daily). I have been on Zocor 6 years. I take a liver lipid panel blood test every three months and have not been told there is any liver damage. As advised by my doctor I have lost 50 pounds and I am maintaining my desired weight of 175 pounds. I lost the weight and maintain my weight by a healthy diet eating little red meat or fatty foods (no junk foods,limited carbs). When I inquired on the internet it mentioned biliary tract disease. During an ultrasound test 2 years ago it was discovered I have small gallstones. I was given no indication pro or con to have them removed. I have noticed on the Internet the gallbladder is associated with an obstruction in the biliary tract. I have an enlarged liver. I do not drink. My paternal grandmother had an enlarged liver and spleen and died from pancreatic cancer at 83. I am a 53 year old male.

Answer 1

Your Alkaline Phospatase could be raised due to gall stones - it's one of the enzymes used to diagnose it. Liver damage from drugs such as Zocor tends to raise the transaminases (ALT,AST) - but not always. You should ask about the GGT enzyme, it is also sensitive to gall stone obstruction, and bilirubin, both total and conjugated. The results of all these tests should give you an idea of what's going on with your liver.
Gall stones can be made of cholesterol (among other things), so lowering and keeping your cholesterol low is a good start. Gall stones can be treated ultrasonically, breaking them up, but most often they are removed surgically, along with the gall bladder. People survive quite well without a gall bladder, with some healthy dietary changes. Another ultrasound seems on the cards, as your gall stones may still be there.

I'm not sure why your liver would be enlarged, but ask about post hepatic obstruction, where there may be back pressure, making the liver swell.

Dying at 83 from pancreatic cancer does not suggest an hereditary predisposition (although of course it doesn't entirely exclude it).

General advice only, your doctor can advise you better, after all, he or she sees you in person, but I hope this gives you a few more questions you can ask.

Good health to you.

Answer 2

the loss of weight may contributed to the development of gall stones.
also the zocor may elevate the liver enzymes.
you need few more investigation like new ultrasound & more specific liver tests.
if you are a female then the source of alkaline phosphatase ma be frm the bone (osteomalacia or severe osteoporosis) & this to be checked too.
good luck

Answer 3

Welcome to the club. I was denied because I'm diabetic. I guess insurance companies don't want any more patients. I know I losing my patience.