Key takeaways

  • People with CD are at a higher risk of liver damage. If you have CD, routine blood work can give insight into your liver function and determine whether any damage has developed.
  • Liver damage can develop for a variety of reasons, including medication side effects, inflammation, and malnutrition.
  • Consult a healthcare professional if you develop pain or fullness in your upper right abdomen, persistent bloating, fatigue, or jaundice, or bruise easily.

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a type of irritable bowel disorder (IBD) that most commonly affects the small intestine and colon, but it can impact any part of the gastrointestinal tract and the related organs, including the liver.

More research is still needed on CD and how it can potentially lead to liver damage, but we’ve gathered answers to some questions you may have and steps you can take to help prevent serious liver issues.

Some people with CD may experience liver problems due to side effects of the medications used to manage the condition.

According to a 2022 research review, medications with liver injury potential (among many others) may include:

  • methotrexate
  • infliximab
  • adalimumab

Malnutrition or malabsorption of nutrients and inflammation associated with CD may also cause liver damage.

Liver problems, which can occur at any time, can lead to other conditions. Fatty liver disease is common, but other conditions, like autoimmune hepatitis, can also develop.

Gallstones are a common complication. These form when bile hardens instead of staying liquid. These “stones” can block the bile ducts in the liver, leading to pain, nausea, and vomiting. Surgical removal may be needed.

Many people with CD won’t show any symptoms of liver issues. The first sign of a problem often appears in blood test results.

But be sure to keep an eye out for observable signs of liver damage, including:

IBD is an umbrella term for a variety of conditions, including CD and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Elevated liver enzymes are frequently reported in people with IBD, with up to 30% of people showing abnormal liver tests.

These levels typically resolve on their own, but it’s important to monitor them to prevent serious liver conditions from developing or treat them before they worsen.

Depending on the IBD condition you have, some liver conditions may be more likely to happen. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), for example, is more common in those with UC than CD.

If you have CD, make sure to get regular liver function tests to monitor for potential problems, especially if you’re taking certain medications, including:

Knowing your enzyme levels can ensure that changes in liver activity are caught soon enough to hopefully prevent serious damage.

You can also help prevent liver damage by avoiding inflammation triggers and limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption.

If tests show you have fatty liver disease, you may be advised to lose weight. Doctors may also suggest medications to better manage your cholesterol levels.

These actions can help the condition resolve before permanent liver damage occurs.

If your liver has been damaged, it’s important to get help to prevent further damage and to keep toxins from building up in your blood and brain.

Speak with your doctor and potentially a hepatologist, which is a gastroenterologist with a special focus on the liver.

Health professionals may suggest medication and diet changes. These can help address any imbalances and reduce inflammation.

Keeping inflammation low typically relieves discomfort from CD-related symptoms and may also help reduce the risk of additional liver damage.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged portions of the colon or perform a liver transplant if medications and lifestyle changes are not helping.

People with CD are at a higher risk of liver damage. If you have CD, it’s important to have regular blood work performed to check your liver function. Many people don’t experience recognizable symptoms until damage has already occurred.

If your CD causes liver damage, your doctor may suggest diet and lifestyle changes. They may also change your medications.

In severe cases, surgery or a liver transplant may be necessary, but early detection of liver damage can help prevent the need for this.