Elevated SGPT and SGOT

  I am a 34-year-old male.  On March 3, 1999, I went to the doctor's office because I was having a nerve problem in my back or leg.  This problem has not been resolved yet.  My doctor did blood work.  My blood pressure was high, and I am not taking any medication.  Before going to the doctor's office I did drink one beer.  Everything was normal in my blood work and other lab tests.  However, my cholesterol was 257 and my SGPT was 119 and my SGOT was 70.  The lab report just put the caption "HI" next to these numbers.  Do these numbers for the SGPT and SGOT indicate a serious problem like MD or liver disease? Or, is it more likely that I had elevated levels of SGPT and SGOT because I drank a beer immediately before going to the doctor's office and having the lab tests done?
Dear Rama,
Elevated liver enzymes called transaminases (SGOT and SGPT) over a period of six months is defined as chronic hepatitis. There are a number of causes of chronic hepatitis including alcohol, fatty liver, medications, viruses and other liver-related disorders. Drinking a beer on the day of your blood test should not cause the elevated transaminases, however, regular alcohol use can. You might want to try abstaining from all alcohol, losing extra weight, eating a low fat diet and avoiding all unnecessary medications for a while and repeating the blood tests. If you continue to have elevated transaminases, further testing may be required to rule out other liver related disorders. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
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