AST liver function test

[Dixiefan]

What are possible causes of high AST liver function test, in the range of 250?


This discussion is related to Elevated AST -liver enzyme.

[CuriousKJO]

Did you find out what was causing your elevated enzymes or have they returned to normal?  My AST just came back 253 (AST 117), I thought if you found out what was wrong in your case, it might could help me figure out what is wrong with me.  Thanks,

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

There can be a lot of causes of increased liver enzymes.  First is alcoholic liver disease which specifically elevates AST (rather than the other enzyme ALT).  Chronic alcohol intake damages the liver cells and causes the release of this enzymes in the blood stream.  Fatty liver can also cause liver enzyme elevation.  This could be due to obesity or increased fat and caloric intake.  Treatment is usually avoidance of alcohol and abstinence from fat intake.  Infections can also cause elevation of this enzyme but to a lesser extent (bacterial infections increases ALP more).  Any condition that can decrease the blood flow to the liver like hypotension or shock can cause the same liver enzyme elevation.  Regards.