hi Bil,
maybe you heard LFT which is short for liver function tests. these protiens can be affected by Glivec. i have copeid the information from our FAQ/glossary page. you might like to take a look there and follow some of the links.
as i said in a previous post, i really think it is important to drink lots of water if you have raised protein levels of any kind. Glivec is synthesized (like many drugs) by the liver and you need to support rather than tax your liver further. you could try taking milk thistle as a supplement as this will certainly support your liver functi.
drinking enough plain water is essential for both liver and kidney health.
as elizabeth said in her post, raised creatine levels can indicate kidney stress.
try cut and paste on the folowing link...
:http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/Creatinine-and-Creatinine-Clearance?p...
from our FAQ page
LIVER FUNCTION TESTS: LFT's
In addition to monitoring CBCs and blood differentials, it is critical to monitor liver counts through Liver Function Tests (LFTs), a group of blood tests that can help to show how well a person's liver is working. LFTs include measurements of total protein, albumin, various liver enzymes such as ALT and AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin.
Total Protein measures the amount of proteins in the bloodstream. Normal total protein levels in the bloodstream range from 6.5 to 8.2 gm/dL (grams per deciliter). Two of the main proteins found in the bloodstream are albumin and globulin.
Albumin is a protein made in the liver. If the liver is badly damaged, it can no longer produce albumin. Albumin maintains the amount of blood in the veins and arteries. When albumin levels become very low, fluid can leak out from the blood vessels into nearby tissues, causing swelling in the feet and ankles. Very low levels of albumin may indicate liver damage. The normal albumin range is from 3.9 gm/dL to 5.0 gm/dL.
ALT and AST are enzymes made in the liver. They are also called transaminases. ALT is sometimes called SGPT and AST is sometimes called SGOT. The normal range of ALT levels is between 5 IU/L (International Units per Liter) and 60 IU/L. The normal range of AST levels is between 5 IU/L and 43 IU/L. Elevated liver enzymes may be a sign of hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity).
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is another enzyme found in the liver. Abnormally high ALP levels may indicate liver problems. The normal range of ALP is between 30 IU/L and 115 IU/L.
Bilirubin is a yellow fluid produced in the liver. When bilirubin levels are too high, it can cause a condition called jaundice in which the eyes and skin appear yellow, urine becomes very dark and feces are light. There are two measures of bilirubin: Total Bilirubin, which measures the amount of bilirubin in the bloodstream and Direct Bilirubin, which measures the amount of bilirubin made in the liver. Normal total bilirubin levels range from .20 mg/dL (milligrams per decileter) to 1.50 mg/dL. Normal direct bilirubin levels range from .00 mg/dL to .03 mg/dL.
When are abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) cause for concern? Any abnormalities in LFTs should be addressed and monitored closely. Current guidelines suggest stopping IM treatment when transaminases (liver enzymes) are more than five times the upper limit of normal. If liver function begins to return to normal, IM may be resumed at a lower dose, then increased to the prior dose in appropriate cases.
The consumption of alcohol may affect liver function, so it is important to eliminate or moderate one’s alcohol intake while taking IM. Also, acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) may not be safe to take during treatment with IM since it, also, is metabolized through the liver. One should not take Tylenol or take it only under the guidance of a physician while taking IM.
sandy C ;o)
