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Abnormal Results of Liver Function Studies - Dr. Scott

The results of abnormal liver functioning tests usually imply the likelihood that your liver may be harmed, swollen or pressurized. Increased liver enzymes or bilirubin, or protein level changes, may constitute such findings. They can be harmless and not long-lasting (e.g. drug effects or nutrition), but they could be the indications of liver disorders that need additional examinations.

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Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

What Is Abnormal Weight Loss?

The abnormal weight loss is reckoned as an undesirable loss of a body weight that is more than 5 percent that is in the six months to a year. It is under the ICD-10 code R63.4 in the code of medicine. Once you have not changed the way you eat or any other body activity yet you are losing pounds, then you are supposed to see the doctor.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Gastrointestinal (Crohn, celiac disease) diseases.
  • The hormonal abnormalities (hyperthyroidism, uncontrolled diabetes)
  • HIV, tuberculosis- chronic diseases.
  • Cancers (a variety of malignancies)
  • Mental health problems (depression, anxiety).
  • Negative reactions to certain medicines.
  • Houston local risk factors: poor glycemic levels, long-term stress, smoking.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Accidental and in 6-12 months 5 percent or more.
  • Perpetual fatigue or general inertness.
  • Anorexia or early satiety.
  • Pain in stomach, bloating or cramps.
  • Systemic symptoms, e.g. Night sweats, fevers, etc.

How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Abnormal LFTs?

Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History & Physical Exam

He will interrogate your medical and surgical history, alcohol and medication, family history of liver disease and what your epigastric pain is like (when it started, where it is, how intense, what triggers it).

Blood Tests

The detailed panels are:

  • Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT) and bilirubin to establish hepatocellular or cholestatic damage.
  • Amylase and lipase to rule-out pancreatitis as an etiology of upper abdominal pain.
  • Full blood count, coagulation, serology of viral hepatitis where required, iron studies and autoimmune markers where necessary.

Imaging Studies

  • To assess liver texture, fatty infiltration, gallstones and bile duct dilation, abdominal ultrasound.
  • Fibro scan (transient elastography) or MR elastography to assess liver stiffness and to examine fibrosis.
  • In case of more examination of masses, pancreatic illness or complex structure, CT/MRI abdomen is required.

Endoscopy & Advanced Testing

Where there is recurrent upper abdominal pains or a suspect ulcer, then an upper endoscopy (EGD) shall be done to inspect the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. During biliary obstruction several MRCPs or ERCPs can be performed. It is also used in rare cases to perform biopsy of liver in order to exclude the diagnosis and to determine inflammation or fibrosis grade.

Dr. Scott
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of treatment options for abnormal weight loss.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Support

  • Senior dietary education in the presence of a dietician.
  • Customized diets to put on weight.
  • Learn to deal with stress and sleep more effectively.

2. Medications

  • Vitamin and mineral supplements used to treat deficiencies.
  • Particular therapy of underlying diseases (thyroid diseases, inflammation, gut health)

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

  • Endoscopy to evaluate strictures or obstruction.
  • To open constrained areas, dilation or stenting.
  • Complex motor skill analysis to check on digestive power.
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the ICD-10 of abnormal weight loss?

It's R63.4.

How should I find out whether my weight loss is normal?

Weight loss Within 6 to 12 months, you drop 5 percent or higher of your body weight with no effort, it is said to be abnormal and ought to be assessed.

Can one lose weight as a result of anxiety?

Yes. Stress and anxiety can make the individual have a lack of appetite and consume more calories, leading to a loss of weight.

Will I need an endoscopy?

Possibly. Dr. Scott recommends the method of endoscopy in the cases when the blood tests and the images fail to provide an exhaustive explanation of your symptoms.

How long does the diagnosis process take?

Most of the patients are given an effective diagnosis and treatment plan within 2 to 3 visits.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. We steal most of the big plans and will assist you to have a check of your benefits.

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