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What causes high ALT and serum ferritin along with digestive issues in a 21-year-old male?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 21-year-old son has elevated ALT (125 U/L) and elevated serum ferritin (665 micrograms/L). These levels may be higher now, as they were elevated but significantly lower three months ago. He also has slightly elevated creatinine and albumin. His urine is clear, but I am advised that his kidney function, although within acceptable limits, is poor for his age. He has looked and felt off-color for almost six months now. Sometimes grey and sometimes yellow, although his bilirubin and GGT are expected, and his eyes are not yellow.

He suffers from intermittent nausea, bloating, belching, and appetite loss, and his tummy looks swollen. He does not have hemochromatosis because his transferrin saturation is fine. He is tall and very lean. Blood tests, urine tests, and an ultrasound of the liver, kidneys, and abdomen are all clear. Anti-mitochondrial antibodies are negative. Anti-LKM antibodies, anti-smooth muscle antibodies, and anti-parietal cell antibodies are negative. C-reactive protein is fine, and I have been told he does not have hepatitis A, B, or C. I am very anxious to obtain a diagnosis for him, as he no longer leaves the house due to his symptoms, and I am worried that whatever it is that he has is progressing.

Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I should rule out alcohol use or the use of any other drugs. If nothing, then you should get further diagnostic tests to determine the correct diagnosis. Unfortunately, we should consider all possible alternatives until we reach the final diagnosis. Then, try to find a way to persuade him and make him understand his current health situation and the best methods to find the definitive treatment.

Indeed, he requires further tests and has to start the treatment to reduce high ALT (alanine transaminase), along with healthy changes in diet and lifestyle habits.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Answered byDr. Albana Greca

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At December 17, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 2, 2025

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