elevated alt

I just completed my physical with a gastroenterologist and my physical was normal.  There was no liver inflammation, my liver felt normal and sounded normal.  My lab results were as follows:  ast 41,alt 72 all other blood work was normal.  He also checked for all hep, everthing was normal.  He also ran prothrobin time which was normal.  He also ran ana, mitochondrial ab, smooth muscle ab and a-1-antitrypsin pheno&tot. All of these came back negative or in range.  What would be the next logical step?  The Dr. does not seem concerned.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The ALT of 72 is mildly elevated.  There already has been a pretty thorough evaluation done.  The next step would be an abdominal ultrasound to look for fatty liver or any masses and anatomical abnormalities.

If everything is normal, you may want to monitor the enzymes on a serial basis to ensure it isn't rising.  Also, if you are drinking alcohol, you may want to consider abstaining to ensure that isn't the cause.    

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.

Kevin, M.D.
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