Highly Elevated SGOT & SGPT Levels

  : : : I recently had my yearly physical with my internist, and he did a complete lab workup.  I was told my liver enzyme levels were off the charts:  SGOT level was 534 (normal is less than 49) and SGPT was 282 (normal is less than 54).  I have less than 3 alcoholic drinks per month, take aspirin in lieu of tylenol, and have no health complaints (other than being 10-15 pounds overweight).  I have, however, been working out very strenuously with a personal trainer & taking Metabolife.  My internist thinks that my liver enzymes could be elevated from the exercise.  Have you ever heard of such a thing or of liver levels being so high?  Everything else checked out on my labs okay (e.g., my cholesterol level was only 148).
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  : : Dear Tammy,
  : : Thank you for your question regarding elevated liver tests.  Your pattern of abnormality suggests that your liver cells are being damaged.  Multiple causes for this problem are known.  The relative probability of the different causes is determined by age, lifestyle ( use of alcohol, intravenous drugs, blood transfusions, tattoos, exposure to hepatitis, medications,), duration of abnormalities.
  : : I suugest that you stop the Metabolife and alcohol immediately.  Your blood should be checked for Hepatitis A, B and C.  An ultrosound of the liver is necessary.  There are multiple other tests that may be needed e.g. copper, iron, autoimmune markers.  The diseases that are detected by these investigations are much less common than alcohol or viral-induced liver disease and therefore are not necessarily ordered at the time of initial investigation.
  : : This information is provided for educational purposes only.  always consult your physician for specific health care questions.
  : : HFHSM.D.-rf
  : : *keywords: hepatitis, alcohol
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Dear Tammy,
The elevated SGPT value can not be due to muscle problems and would suggest that you have had some form of acute liver injury.  I would stop all medications at this time.  Your liver tests should be repeated monthly to document that they have returned to normal values.  If they do not normalize other tests are needed to find the cause for your abnormal liver tests.  It is important to emphasize that the degree of liver test elevation is not a good indicator of the extent of liver damage.
This information is provided for educational putrposes only.  Always contact your physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: hepatitis, elevated liver tests
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