ELEVATED ALT LEVEL

[PDIDDY]

I AM A 42 Y.O. MALE WHO RECENTLY HAD SOME LAB WORK DONE (CBC,COMPLETE METABOLIC PANEL AND TOTAL CHOLESTEROL) EVERYTHING CAME BACK NORMAL EXCEPT MY ALT LEVEL WHICH WAS 65.THE DOCTOR TOLD ME THE AST LEVEL WAS NORMAL BUT DIDN'T GIVE ME A NUMBER.I CONSIDER MYSELF IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, I EXERCISE 4-6X WEEK ,I EAT WELL AND I AM ON NO MEDICATION. I AM A MODERATE DRINKER CONSUMING 2-4 DRINKS A DAY ON AVERAGE,SOME DAYS NONE AT ALL SOME DAYS A LITTLE MORE.I AM VERY CONCERNED AND AM FOLLOWING UP WITH MORE LAB WORK, A HEPATIC PANEL AND HEPATITIS B AND C.WHAT SPECIFICALLY IS THE ELEVATED ALT LEVEL SIGNIFICANT FOR?

[EmilyH]

My ALT has been elevated at 31-41 for the last 2 years.  I recently had a Hep Serology done and it was neg.  What followup work should I be having done?  Sed rate is also slightly elevated and ferritin is at 7.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Erin, GI PA has kindly answered your question in her comments below and I agree with her assessment.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[GI.PA]

Your ALT is a liver enzyme that becomes elevated when then liver is damaged.  Your number is very mildly elevated and not cause for immediate-life threatening concern.  However work up for Hep B and C is indicated.  If your ALT remains minimally elevated for greater than 3-6 months, further labs for metabolic and congenital liver problems is indicated.  A liver ultrasound may be ordered as well.  

In the meantime, alcohol should be eliminated to take this completely out of the equation.  

GI.PA