how serious is that will he die!
2007-06-22 08:53:26 · 7 answers · asked by laurawestrupp@btinternet.com 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
high lft's in and of themselves are not a strong predictor of morbidity. there's something called ranson's criteria which does equate certain lab values with prognosis, but lft's are not one of the predictive variables.
2007-06-23 12:24:29 · answer #1 · answered by belfus 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your doctors should have explained by now if he is in serious trouble, if not ask them. Elevated liver enzymes usually mean that the drainage from the liver is or recently has been blocked.
The liver and gall bladder and the pancreas all end up draining through the same single tube.
A swollen pancreas can plug the tube. Gallstones that cause the pancreatitis will also plug the tube and the liver enzymes leak into the blood because of increased pressure.
Other things can plug those tubes, or they can cause the liver tests to go up in other ways, (alcohol can do that and damage the pancreas), so ask your father or get the family together and have the doctors explain what is causing the problem. An ultrasound of the pancreas and the ducts usually gives a good idea of what is going on.
Elevated liver enzymes do not mean that the liver is giving out, the drainage from it was probably plugged.
2007-06-23 06:45:57 · answer #2 · answered by fred 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Liver function tests are usually in cases of pancreatitis. Certain enzymes would be elevated and helps to determine the diagnosis. Because his liver function test is high does not mean he will die. Liver function test is not an indicator of the severity of the pancreatitis, though it may may also mean liver involvement. If your dad is being treated now, the doctors will do appropriate investigations to decide for the appropriate treatment and management.
2007-06-22 19:41:23 · answer #3 · answered by ♥ lani s 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The test just means that he has a "HIGH" liver function, which means his liver is mostly ok with just a bit of trouble. But the disease causes an inflammation which could be trouble. This is a time to be very careful and whatch what he eats and drinks or it could get very worse. Stick by him and support him now cause he's probably really scared about it(which he should be so he treats it serious) And see the doc regularly. I put a link in the sources so check it out cause it really has alot of info for you. Good Luck And God Bless
2007-06-22 09:15:36 · answer #4 · answered by lumendelsol 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two situations that occur commonly and wind up with the combination of abnormal liver tests and pancreatitis. One is when the pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, and if that's the case, he'll need to have his gallbladder removed as soon as he's well enough. It's not to be taken lightly, but it is very common surgery. The other situation is when both are caused by alcoholism, in which case I'd suggest you join a group like Al-a-teen. He sounds sick, but most people get well, so there's no need to panic.
2007-06-22 22:21:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pancreatitis can be extremely serious as well as very painful, and the recovery can be prolonged. It could be that there is a blockage of the drainage of the pancreatic and/or bile fluid, and this blockage would have to be bypassed. I am sorry that your dad is going through this and hope for the best for your family.
2007-06-22 16:57:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - and so will you - and me and everyone else.
Even that fat bloke that lives up the road that you see going shopping every morning.
Get used to the idea.
2007-06-22 08:57:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋