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What Causes Elevated AST And ALT Levels?

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Posted on Fri, 20 Mar 2015
Question: Ihave elevated AST and ALT levels. I have attached my report.
kindly answer.
rgds
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. S. Samanta (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
If elevated for 6 months, you need more evaluation!

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thanks for your query!

After analyzing your attached reports, I could suggest following points:

1. You have raised AST (mild), ALT (mild but more than AST) and Gamma GT (mild) levels on two different dates and the values are decreasing which is a good sign!

2. Now, coming to various causes of the elevated enzyme levels: The most common cause is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can affect up to 30 percent of the population. Other common causes include alcoholic liver disease, medication-associated liver injury, viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), and hemochromatosis. Less common causes include α1-antitrypsin deficiency, autoimmune hepatitis, and XXXXXXX disease. Extrahepatic conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, celiac disease, hemolysis, muscle disorders like rhabdomyolysis) can also cause elevated liver transaminase levels...!

3. Initial testing should include a fasting lipid profile; measurement of glucose, serum iron, and ferritin; total iron-binding capacity; and hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibody testing. If test results are normal, a trial of lifestyle modification (AS DESCRIBED BY DR. R.A. SINGH) with observation or further testing for less common causes is appropriate.

Additional testing may include ultrasonography; measurement of α1-antitrypsin and ceruloplasmin; serum protein electrophoresis; and antinuclear antibody, smooth muscle antibody, and liver/kidney microsomal antibody type 1 testing. Referral for further evaluation and possible liver biopsy is recommended if transaminase levels remain elevated for six months or more.

As per my opinion, your levels are decreasing and it is likely that they are all normal within 6 months; if still not normal, please see a gastroenterologist for further management...

Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. S. Samanta

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1107 Questions

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What Causes Elevated AST And ALT Levels?

Brief Answer: If elevated for 6 months, you need more evaluation! Detailed Answer: Dear Madam, Thanks for your query! After analyzing your attached reports, I could suggest following points: 1. You have raised AST (mild), ALT (mild but more than AST) and Gamma GT (mild) levels on two different dates and the values are decreasing which is a good sign! 2. Now, coming to various causes of the elevated enzyme levels: The most common cause is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can affect up to 30 percent of the population. Other common causes include alcoholic liver disease, medication-associated liver injury, viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), and hemochromatosis. Less common causes include α1-antitrypsin deficiency, autoimmune hepatitis, and XXXXXXX disease. Extrahepatic conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, celiac disease, hemolysis, muscle disorders like rhabdomyolysis) can also cause elevated liver transaminase levels...! 3. Initial testing should include a fasting lipid profile; measurement of glucose, serum iron, and ferritin; total iron-binding capacity; and hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibody testing. If test results are normal, a trial of lifestyle modification (AS DESCRIBED BY DR. R.A. SINGH) with observation or further testing for less common causes is appropriate. Additional testing may include ultrasonography; measurement of α1-antitrypsin and ceruloplasmin; serum protein electrophoresis; and antinuclear antibody, smooth muscle antibody, and liver/kidney microsomal antibody type 1 testing. Referral for further evaluation and possible liver biopsy is recommended if transaminase levels remain elevated for six months or more. As per my opinion, your levels are decreasing and it is likely that they are all normal within 6 months; if still not normal, please see a gastroenterologist for further management... Regards!