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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
GGT, AST § ALT high
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.
GGT, AST § ALT high
by jomo55, May 03, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 40 yr old male. In good health, however fairly overweight currently. Currently not on any supplements or presc., & deal with a lot of stress through work.
7 years ago I had a liver panel done after I was denied a life ins. policy. The enzyme levels all came back high, so Hep ABC was tested with and the test results came back negative for any of the Hep group.
I then had an ultrasound of the liver and it was determined that size was normal.
After stopping alcohol consumption for a few weeks, I retested the liver panel and the levels had began to come down.
Fast forward to last week April 2004 seven years later -
Out of curosity, I did a liver panel and a cholosterol panel. Cholesterol cam back at risk & very high:
CHOL - 366
HDL - 63
LDL - 252
VLDL - 51
TRI - 253
CRF Ration 5.8
The liver panel was all very normal except for:
GGT 293
AST 71
ALT 222
My alcohol consumption has been very consistent at mod. to heaavy. I very, very rarely take any Tylenol or other Aceto's.
My question is why is the AST lower then the ALT? What tests would be appropriate to help reveal other possible problems causing the high levels?
My assumption being that the high levels are driven by the alcohol consumption, but I am confused by the AST being lower then the ALT. I have stopped drinking. And will retest in a few weeks.
Any info or opinion would be helpful.
Thanks,
7 years ago I had a liver panel done after I was denied a life ins. policy. The enzyme levels all came back high, so Hep ABC was tested with and the test results came back negative for any of the Hep group.
I then had an ultrasound of the liver and it was determined that size was normal.
After stopping alcohol consumption for a few weeks, I retested the liver panel and the levels had began to come down.
Fast forward to last week April 2004 seven years later -
Out of curosity, I did a liver panel and a cholosterol panel. Cholesterol cam back at risk & very high:
CHOL - 366
HDL - 63
LDL - 252
VLDL - 51
TRI - 253
CRF Ration 5.8
The liver panel was all very normal except for:
GGT 293
AST 71
ALT 222
My alcohol consumption has been very consistent at mod. to heaavy. I very, very rarely take any Tylenol or other Aceto's.
My question is why is the AST lower then the ALT? What tests would be appropriate to help reveal other possible problems causing the high levels?
My assumption being that the high levels are driven by the alcohol consumption, but I am confused by the AST being lower then the ALT. I have stopped drinking. And will retest in a few weeks.
Any info or opinion would be helpful.
Thanks,
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 04, 2004 12:00AM
, May 04, 2004 12:00AM
ALT is a more specific indicator of liver disease. Typically, in moderate-heavy drinkers, the AST would be higher than the ALT. You note a normal ultrasound as well as normal hepatitis studies.
I agree with abstaining from alcohol - since this can certainly raise liver function tests. I would also consider an ANA level to evaluate for autoimmune hepatitis, as well as iron studies to evaluate for hemochromatosis.
If all the tests remain negative, and the LFTs remain elevated despite abstaining from alcohol, I would consider a liver biopsy for further evaluation.
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.
I agree with abstaining from alcohol - since this can certainly raise liver function tests. I would also consider an ANA level to evaluate for autoimmune hepatitis, as well as iron studies to evaluate for hemochromatosis.
If all the tests remain negative, and the LFTs remain elevated despite abstaining from alcohol, I would consider a liver biopsy for further evaluation.
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.
I recently got a blood check and the result was as follows:
AST 537
ALT 144
I dont drink at all and I dont smoke. Is there any other possible reason why Im way out of reference range? Also, am I in a dangerous position as now? I was told once that this may be fatal.. If anyone can help me please do so
thank you