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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I took a blood test that shows that I have issues with my liver.Very close to cirrhosis? I don’t drink. Is this from lupus?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Phoenix, AZ
June 28
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone concerned about liver issues possibly linked to lupus, with many sharing that non-alcoholic fatty liver... Read more

Members rallied around someone concerned about liver issues possibly linked to lupus, with many sharing that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and medications like Imuran can all affect the liver without any alcohol use. Several members strongly recommended seeing a hepatologist, noting that a liver specialist can run targeted labs and diagnose conditions like primary biliary cholangitis, while others emphasized always requesting your lab numbers and researching supplements carefully. A recurring theme was that you are not alone in this, and that staying proactive with specialists and test results can lead to answers and even improvement.

MyLupusTeam

Could lupus be causing liver problems, even without drinking alcohol? Yes, it absolutely can.

Lupus can affect the liver in anywhere between 25% and 60% of people living with the condition. This is sometimes called lupus hepatitis, and it can happen regardless of alcohol consumption. Here's what's important to understand Show Full Answer

Could lupus be causing liver problems, even without drinking alcohol? Yes, it absolutely can.

Lupus can affect the liver in anywhere between 25% and 60% of people living with the condition. This is sometimes called lupus hepatitis, and it can happen regardless of alcohol consumption. Here's what's important to understand about lupus and liver involvement:

- Lupus can directly cause liver inflammation
- Medications commonly used to manage lupus — like steroids, NSAIDs, and immunosuppressants — are all processed by the liver, which can put extra strain on it over time
- In some cases, liver involvement can progress to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)

The good news is that catching this early through blood tests, like yours, means there's an opportunity to act before things get worse.

It's really important to bring these results to your rheumatologist and/or a liver specialist as soon as possible. They may want to review your current lupus medications to see if any adjustments could help reduce the burden on your liver. This is not something to sit on — but it's also not something to panic about. Early detection is a real advantage here.

June 28
A MyLupusTeam Member

Margie, this could be due to lupus or a related autoimmune condition such as primary biliary cirrhosis or sclerosing cholangitis. It may also be from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, as @A MyLupusTeam Member mentioned. Certain medications can cause liver abnormalities as a side effect, too, as can alcohol or other toxins. If your doctors are uncertain about the cause and how to treat this, it's worthwhile to ask to see a hepatologist, or liver specialist. Please keep us posted!😘

June 29
A MyLupusTeam Member

My husband was diagnosed with fatty liver disease before his lupus diagnosis. He and I were just talking about this last night:

July 2
A MyLupusTeam Member

I have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease too.

June 28
A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member me too

July 25

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