1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Abnormal Results of Liver Function Studies
Liver function tests measure how your liver handles enzymes and proteins such as ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and bilirubin. Abnormal results may indicate underlying issues. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nguyen interprets results and offers treatments to restore liver health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Abnormal Liver Function Tests?
Dr. Nguyen uses a systematic, step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your symptoms (onset, duration, and character of epigastric pain), alcohol use, medications, family history of liver disease, and lifestyle factors. A focused abdominal exam looks for tenderness, organ enlargement, or signs of chronic liver disease.
Blood Tests
Comprehensive panels include:
Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) and bilirubin to confirm and quantify liver injury
Viral hepatitis markers (A, B, C) and autoimmune antibodies
Pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase) to evaluate concurrent pancreatic causes of epigastric pain
Complete blood count and metabolic profile to assess overall health
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to assess liver texture, fatty infiltration, and gallbladder or bile duct stones
FibroScan (elastography) to measure liver stiffness and fat content non-invasively
Cross-sectional imaging (CT or MRI) if anatomic detail or mass evaluation is needed
Advanced Testing (if needed)
If initial tests are inconclusive or suggest advanced disease, Dr. Nguyen may recommend:
Liver biopsy to confirm diagnosis, stage fibrosis, and guide therapy
MRCP or ERCP to evaluate bile duct obstruction in patients with cholestatic patterns
Upper endoscopy to investigate peptic ulcer disease or gastritis contributing to epigastric pain
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for fatty liver disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Customized meal plans rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains
Practical guidance to cut down on alcohol, sugar and fried foods
Structured exercise recommendations—30 minutes most days—to support gradual weight loss
2. Medications
Antiviral therapies when hepatitis is contributing to liver injury
Immune-modifying agents for autoimmune liver conditions
Pharmacologic support to optimize cholesterol, blood sugar and weight control
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
FibroScan or elastography for non-surgical assessment of liver stiffness and fat content
Endoscopic procedures (eg, ERCP) to relieve bile duct blockages
Image-guided liver biopsy or transjugular biopsy when detailed tissue evaluation is needed
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a fatty liver?
Fat often collects in the liver from poor diet, obesity, diabetes, alcohol use, or certain medications.
How can I lower my liver enzymes?
Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid excess alcohol. Dr. Pothuri creates a plan to help you lower liver enzymes.
What tests show hepatic echogenicity?
A fatty liver ultrasound or FibroScan measures echogenic liver changes without surgery.
Is there a drug for fatty liver disease?
Yes. We use FDA-approved fatty liver disease drugs when lifestyle changes alone aren't enough.
What is NASH liver disease life expectancy?
It varies by stage. Early NASH can be managed with diet and exercise. Dr. Pothuri will discuss your individual prognosis.
Do I need a biopsy?
Most patients avoid biopsy. We rely on blood tests, imaging, and non-invasive scans unless advanced disease is suspected.
