High liver alkaline phosphatase. Other liver enzymes normal.

[R1234567]

Does anyone know what causes high liver enzymes ALP only? Other liver enzymes were within normal range.

Thanks

I believe this can indicate liver damage or some bone issues such as vitamin D deficiency. However, best thing to do is call the clinician who ordered the tests and get a proper, personalised response.

It very much depends on the clinical context and how high it is. In the context of acute abdominal pain it can indicate something like a gallbladder infection or biliary colic (these do typically also cause other LFT derangements too, but a rise in ALP could be the first abnormality to arise). If asymptomatic and significantly and persistently raised (marginally or transiently raised levels are likely to be of little clinical significance) it can indicate a liver disorder such as primary biliary cirrhosis. ALP can also be raised by issues like vitamin D deficiency, and certain bone disorders, it's not always of liver origin.

It comes from bones and placentas too. If that helps…

Labtestsonline is a great website. Explains the tests and results.