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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
ASAT/ALAT ratio (GPT/GOT)
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
ASAT/ALAT ratio (GPT/GOT)
by privacy1, Sep 14, 2003 12:00AM
I'm a 37 year old moderate drinker (~2 drinks per day 3 days per week) but I binge drank during my 20's (1-2 times per week). History of family alcoholism. I have autoimmune issues (psoriasis) and i had ITP (idiopathic thrombocytic purpura) as a teenager. I just received insurance blood work and got a "GPT (ALAT) score of 44 versus <41 reference.
Q#1: Is that GPT/ALAT number serious or significant elevation? Q#2: My GOT (ASAT) was 24 versus <37 reference while the ALAT was 44. Does this ASAT/ALAT ratio suggest or negate alcohol related damage?
Q#4: My thyroid score TSH was elevated (4.84) versus reference of .3-4.5. Cholesterol was high, triglycerides high and neutrophiles low (57) versus reference 60-74. None of my noted numbers seem far out of reference range, overall should i be concerned?
Thanks!
Q#1: Is that GPT/ALAT number serious or significant elevation? Q#2: My GOT (ASAT) was 24 versus <37 reference while the ALAT was 44. Does this ASAT/ALAT ratio suggest or negate alcohol related damage?
Q#4: My thyroid score TSH was elevated (4.84) versus reference of .3-4.5. Cholesterol was high, triglycerides high and neutrophiles low (57) versus reference 60-74. None of my noted numbers seem far out of reference range, overall should i be concerned?
Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 15, 2003 12:00AM
, Sep 15, 2003 12:00AM
To answer your question.
1) An ALT is a slight elevation. I would consider repeating this in a few months to make sure it isn't laboratory error.
2) Typically alcohol related liver elevations would have the AST elevated over the ALT in a 2:1 ratio. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but this is the general rule of thumb.
3) Because these results are so close to the reference range, I would consider repeating these values in a couple of months before acting on them. Simple laboratory variation or error can account for these findings and they deserve to be confirmed first.
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.
1) An ALT is a slight elevation. I would consider repeating this in a few months to make sure it isn't laboratory error.
2) Typically alcohol related liver elevations would have the AST elevated over the ALT in a 2:1 ratio. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but this is the general rule of thumb.
3) Because these results are so close to the reference range, I would consider repeating these values in a couple of months before acting on them. Simple laboratory variation or error can account for these findings and they deserve to be confirmed first.
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.
