Ketones/bilirubin

[Apples2 19]

Had a urine test b/4 a hernia surgery a few weeks ago. Got a call from my doc today stating that the test was abnormal with ketones and some bilirubin in the urine. Is there anyone out there that can explain to me how this happens? I plan on going in the next couple of days for a retest.

Could it be the fact that I am eating mostly Protein (and fruit and veggies) and that's why? I am worried and would appreciate some insight on this. Thanks

[laurigee 545]

someone on a severe weight reduction diet where the body is starving, and there isn't enough available glucose and fat will burn for energy and the by product of that are ketones.

high levels of bilirubin are usually seen in babies(Jaundice). It deels with the function of the liver. It also has to do with bile.

Don't worry yourself, I had a high bilirubin test and when I retested it was normal. I was told that bilirubin can also be found in feces and if you didn't clean yourself well before the urine test some could be present. Of course there are other reasons for these results, but these are the most common. Again, don't worry yourself. Wait and see what the second results find. Good Luck and let us know how everything goes.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

If you aren't diabetic, then the ketones aren't a worry (unless they are SUPER high) because eating a diet high in Protein low in carb will cause "ketosis"...a by product of the body breaking down fat for energy. Of course, regular "diets" cause fat breakdown too but in Ketosis it's accellerated. When I was on my preop "liver shrink" diet I was "in ketosis" and that just meant the diet was working; I was burning fat.

Be sure the doctor requiring the tests knows about your diet. If you are diabetic, then ketosis can be dangerous (different type/reason)

As to the bilirubin, sorry but I don't know. Are you getting enough sunshine? I know it indicates jaundice in babies; in grown ups it can be serious, or not! I wouldn't borrow trouble, though; wait to see what the retest means. Blood work can be skewed by many things; it could be "normal" next time.

[Apples2 19]

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to answer. It will put my mind at ease until I retake the test. I figured the ketosis was due to the high protein/little carbs diet. I am not diabetic and don't worry about that. As far as the bilirubin, I was surprised. My liver tests were also slightly elevated at the time with an ALT of 89 and AST of 78. Could that have something to do with it?

[aubrie 6]

Rapid weight loss puts stress on the lgallbladder and liver. this can cause stones in the bile ducts which leads to gallbladder problems. Pancreatitis can also result. I just had a nasty round with all this in August. It's common for the gallbladder to mess up with rapid weight loss. I had really high billirubin, and it kept getting worse. I was in a lot of pain, so the gallbladder had to come out. Billirubin still high, indicating stones in my bile ducts so they had to go back in two days later and remove the collection of tiny stones. It was horrible. I was yellow and had orange pee.

[Apples2 19]

Thanks for your response, Aubrie. I have not had a gallbladder for 15 yrs. My urine is clear and I get a lot of liquids. I don't feel any symptoms at all. I went in today for another test and should get the results in a couple of days. Hoping it is all clear. Keeping my fingers crossed that the first test was off because of my diet.

[Apples2 19]

Got retested today and got a call from the clinic with results. The nurse said my numbers were in the "somewhat normal" range. A +1 instead of a +4. Good to go. Get liver rechecked in Dec. Does anyone know if a ALT of 89 and AST of 78 is extreme? Would appreciate an answer on this. Thanks

[RestlessMonkey 7]

For ALT, 36 is the top figure, for AST, 35 is the top figure. Actually, it can depend on the lab, too...I've also heard 40 and 45, respectively.

However, taken out of context, the fact that they are "high" doesn't mean anything much.

[Apples2 19]

For ALT, 36 is the top figure, for AST, 35 is the top figure. Actually, it can depend on the lab, too...I've also heard 40 and 45, respectively.

However, taken out of context, the fact that they are "high" doesn't mean anything much.

Thanks for your input, Restless. I, of course, had a fatty liver b/4 surgery and thought the numbers would go back to normal now that I am at goal. No such luck. I'll try not to worry about it until I get rechecked.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Seriously, if the doctor's office isn't that worried, and you feel good, you really shouldn't worry about it. Just try to eat healthy (and atkins-ish is pretty darned healthy!) and see what happens. As I said, lab values taken out of context are almost meaningless....your diet, history, life style, etc etc can affect them. Other values matter, too. I don't know enough to interpret for you, but I do know enough to tell you not to lose any sleep over it! :w00t: