def. for high alt and ast

[Searching4answer]

Don't mean to waste anyone's time but I was wondering if any of you know what it usually means if you have a ALT of 147 and AST of 69?  Is this a sign of a serious case of Hepatitis?  I was also taking a priscription (prescription) called Zithromax (azithromycin) when I had my blood test taken....would anyone know if such medicine can elevate your ALT and AST?  I'm alot like Joey from FRIENDS....so any kind of info will be greatly appreciated...

[latrobe]

dear searching (JOEY) how you doing?
here's some info. the ranges may change some from test to test, but clearly you have cause for some concern. both your ALT and AST are elevated. the Zithromax may be the cause. it does go through the liver. talk to your doctor.on monday. in the morning.
AST/SGOT (Aspartate Aminotransferase) NORMAL RANGE 5-35 U/L
DEFINITION This is an enzyme made in liver cells, similar to the ALT. It is also made in muscles, and can be released from damaged muscle, heart, kidney, and brain tissue. Therefore, the AST level can be affected by many conditions other than liver disease.
EXPLANATION OF TEST RESULT Elevated levels can mean liver damage. Often the AST and ALT levels will elevate at the same time.
ALT/SGPT (Alanine Aminotransferase) NORMAL RANGE 7-56 U/L
DEFINITION This is an enzyme made in liver cells. If liver cells are damaged or die, ALT leaks out into the bloodstream.
EXPLANATION OF TEST RESULT This is the most important test to follow in a person with liver disease. A high ALT may mean a high degree of liver cell damage. However, ALT levels can also vary, and do not always reflect the degree of liver cell damage. A liver cell biopsy will give the most accurate information. The ALT enzyme is a more accurate marker of liver damage than the Ast enzyme. One goal of treatment for hepatitis C is a normal ALT level.

[Bicky]

Hi Joey-like

I had very very high ALT numbers (over 600) which totally freaked me out. However, when I had a liver biopsy I found that I only had very mild fibrosis and inflammation. I was convinced I had cirrhosis so I was very surprised. After two months my ALT went down to normal.

[Galen]

Have you been tested for hepatitis?  While your enzymes are elevated, many things can cause this.  In the meantime stop drinking alcohol immediately - adds flame to the fires, start drinking more water and make sure you tell your doctor about any over the counter meds (aspirin, advil, tyelenol or anything else) you are taking in addition to the Zithromax.  Meanwhile, at the following site:

http://www.injuryboard.com/view.cfm/Topic=886

"Zithromax has been linked to toxic liver damage in patients. Because the liver breaks down the medication, the possibility of liver problems exists for users. The adverse reactions section on Zithromax's labeling was changed in 2000 to warn patients of the drug's link to abnormal liver function, including hepatitis, jaundice and liver failure, which can result in death."

[harley dude]

When I started with Pegasys they sent me in the mail a nice shoulder bag. Inside there is a video tape to show the proper way to give yourself the injection, a few ice packs, one for your head, one incase you need to travel with your meds, a preg. kit, pill organizer, a medical sharps containment, a collapsible drinking cup and a few books about hvc, when I went to the docs office for my first shot, they also had one there for me. I only need one.If Anyone would like the other shoulder bag with all the goodies  I will be willing to send it to you and I'll even be a nice Guy and pay for the shipping. The problem is first come first serve, I only have one. Wait awhile lets start the bidding at $5.00 lol (just kidding). Anyone wants it E-Mail me your adress and I will be more than glad to send it to you, I don't need both of them, and hate to see it just stuck in the closet. --HD--  E-Mail-(***@****)

[Searching4answer]

I just wanted to say thanks for all the information...you guys have been very helpful.  Latrobe..thanks for all the info about ALT and AST.  I'll definitely fax my results to my physician on monday and see if I need to do more testing.  Bicky, glad to hear your ALT is now normal...did you have to take meds to get your ALT back to normal or was it a new diet? Galen...I'm not much of a drinker...I probably drink a beer one or two times every 4 months and I'm a pretty active person...now, would say that I should take more rest or stay active while trying to get my ALT back to normal...and thanks for the warning about Zithromax.  This is my first time at this forum and you guys had been so helpful......JOEY

[Galen]

Exercise is good, relieves stress, maintains health, etc.  Just make sure to drink at least one ounce of water per 2 pounds of body weight spread out throughout the day.

[Searching4answer]

Galen thanks for the advice.....I'm not much of a Gatorade fan but I guess the extra electrolites will be good for me too.....Joey

[dannydan]

hi!!
    i got hep.c. about 30 yrs ago in the Navy probably by the innoculation air guns(i don`t know)
     But anyway 3 yrs. ago i had my blood tested and my viral load was 191,000 and my alt was 30 and ast was 22,alk was 69
    Since the last yr. or so I`v been taking blood pressure medication(diovan).since the last 3 mo. I`v been taking Herbal extracts(about 4 different kinds from the "Godsremedy" web site) after 3 mo. of this i had my blood checked again and my alt went up to 104,my alk to 99 and my ast to 39 and viral load up to 314,000
    I`m still without symptoms.Do i need to get my house in order(HaHa)or do i have hope??
    Thanx so much for any replies
Concerned

[dannydan]

hi!!
    i got hep.c. about 30 yrs ago in the Navy probably by the innoculation air guns(i don`t know)
     But anyway 3 yrs. ago i had my blood tested and my viral load was 191,000 and my alt was 30 and ast was 22,alk was 69
    Since the last yr. or so I`v been taking blood pressure medication(diovan).since the last 3 mo. I`v been taking Herbal extracts(about 4 different kinds from the "Godsremedy" web site) after 3 mo. of this i had my blood checked again and my alt went up to 104,my alk to 99 and my ast to 39 and viral load up to 314,000
    I`m still without symptoms.Do i need to get my house in order(HaHa)or do i have hope??
    Thanx so much for any replies
Concerned

[fitt]

I JUST GOT MY LAB RESULTS, MY ALT WAS 130 AND AST 65. I AM VERY CONCERNED.  I CONSIDER MY SELF VERY HEALTHY WITH NO PROBLEMS. I DO DRINK BEER ABOUT 6 BEERS  A WEEK. LET ME KNOW WHAT KIND OF PROBLEM I HAVE THANKS.

[fitt]

I just got my lab results, my ast was 65 and my alt was 130. I consider my self very healthy 37 YEAR OLD MALE with mo medical problems in the past. I do consume alcohol about 6 beers a week. I will no longer do that. Please let me know what kind of a problem I have. thanks