Liver Kidney Microsomal Antibodies

Liver kidney microsomal antibody (anti-LKM) test is used to measure the levels of liver kidney microsomal antibodies in the blood. These are autoantibodies, a type of proteins produced by the immune system and attacks its own enzyme called CYP2D6 (P450 2D6). This enzyme is a protein mainly found in liver cells. The production of anti-LKM antibodies is related to type-2 autoimmune hepatitis.

Hepatitis is a condition in which the inflammation of the liver occurs. In the case of autoimmune hepatitis, your own immune system attacks your liver leading to liver inflammation. Autoimmune hepatitis is of two types, type-1, and type-2. Usually, type-1 affects everyone but most common in young women. Type-2 develops in most of the adults but commonly seen in young girls of age in between 2-14. Individuals affected with type-2 autoimmune hepatitis produce liver-kidney microsomal antibodies, which are different from the antibodies produced in type-1.

Why this test is performed?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like skin rashes, dark urine, pale stools, yellowish skin and eyes, itching of the whole body, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, joint pains, abdominal pain, discomfort, etc. Your doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you have certain conditions like enlarged liver, ascites (fluid in the abdomen), confusion, mental disturbances, etc. This test may be recommended to you along with other tests like liver panel test.

The normal reference range may vary depending on your age, gender, health conditions, habits, etc.

If your test results show negative then it may indicate that there are no antibodies present in your body.

If your test results show positive, it may indicate that antibodies are present in your body and itt may lead to autoimmune liver disease.

If you get abnormal test results to consult your doctor for further diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your test results.