Liver enzymes: No trivial elevations, even if asymptomatic

Abstract

Primary care physicians are at the forefront in screening for abnormal levels of liver enzymes and investigating the likely causes by obtaining a detailed history and physical examination, followed by appropriate laboratory and diagnostic workup. This review outlines common causes for the two main mechanisms of liver injury--cholestasis and hepatocellular insult--and explores the associated risk factors, methods of diagnosis, and management, with a focus on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, one of the most often encountered causes of abnormal liver enzyme levels.