User:Hayk Arakelyan

Alkaline Phosphatase and Liver Diseases

Author

Prof. Hayk S. Arakelyan. Full Professor in Medicine,

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Ph.D , Grand Ph.D .

Senior Expert of Interactive Clinical Pharmacology , Drug Safety,

Treatment Tactics, General Medicine and Clinical Research.

“Natural forces within us are

 the true healers of disease.”

 “Hippocrates”

Introduction.

Liver function tests check the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. Levels that are higher or lower than normal can indicate liver problems.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). ALP is an enzyme in the liver, bile ducts and bone. Higher-than-normal levels of ALP may indicate liver damage or disease, such as a blocked bile duct, or certain bone diseases.                           If your liver isn’t working right, the amount of ALP in your blood may be high. Doctors often use the test to look for blocked bile ducts. Other conditions that can cause problems with your liver include: hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer  etc. The test can also spot problems with your bones, including: Paget’s disease, which affects how bones grow, issues caused by vitamin D deficiency, cancers that have spread to your bones, etc.

Signs & Symptoms of High Alkaline Phosphatase.

Elevated alkaline phosphatase is associated with numerous signs and symptoms. High alkaline phosphatase suggests numerous possible health conditions, each with their own unique set of signs and symptoms.

Liver Cirrhosis.

Liver cirrhosis, a progressive condition of your liver, can cause high levels of alkaline phosphatase in your blood. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, cirrhosis is a condition in which your liver deteriorates over time, eventually malfunctioning due to chronic injury. If you have liver cirrhosis, scar tissue has replaced a significant portion of your healthy liver tissue, which can block the flow of blood through your liver. Impaired liver function disrupts your liver's ability to control infections, remove toxins from your blood and process nutrients. Along with elevated blood levels of alkaline phosphatase, common signs and symptoms associated with liver cirrhosis include weakness, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pain, itching and spider-like blood vessels on your skin. The NIDDK states that a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis is confirmed by physical examination, blood tests and imaging.

Biliary Obstruction.

Biliary obstruction, also known as bile duct obstruction, can cause elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, biliary obstruction is a blockage of the tubes that transport bile from your liver to your gallbladder and small intestine. Numerous factors can cause biliary obstruction, including cysts in your common bile duct, enlarged lymph nodes, gallstones, inflammation of your bile ducts, trauma from gallbladder surgery, tumors of your bile duct or pancreas and other tumors that have spread to your biliary system. Along with elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, common signs and symptoms associated with biliary obstruction include upper right side abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, itching, jaundice or yellowing of your skin, pale-colored stools and nausea and vomiting. In addition to elevated alkaline phosphatase levels in your blood, you may also have increased blood levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes.

Rickets.

Rickets, a bone disease, can cause elevated alkaline phosphatase levels and numerous other signs and symptoms. Rickets is a disorder that affects your bones, causing them to become soft and fracture easily. The most common cause of rickets is a lack of vitamin D, although rickets can also be an inherited condition. Rickets is most common in children.

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To be continued ....

  If you have any questions concerning ’Alkaline Phosphatase and Liver Diseases ’, interactive clinical pharmacology , or any other questions,please  inform  me.                                

 Prof. Hayk S. Arakelyan