AST AND ALT LEVEL'S

[mjwxzt]

on 05/13/02 i had my blood taken for my life insurance policy my AST level was 18 and my ALT level was 28. On 07/29/03 I went to see the docter for frequent and loose bowl movements he proceeded with rectal exam,stool sample,urine test and blood test.AS for my blood test it came back with AST 24 and ALT 43.all other blood results came back normal. The ALT 43 has the word ABNORMAL next to it and he tells me in the letter i need to schedule an appointment.I am very worried about level's rising in a year's time.IS it something to be concern about?Knowing from the paper work it has something to do with my liver.I am 36 year's old,i was on ACIPHEX for 1 year but stopped taking it 1 month ago.I do not suffer from any pain and my appetite is very well, i  have problem's with irregular bowl movement.I am very worried  about this situation.
thank you

[djv]

You're lucky in that your levels weren't elevated for the insurance test.  I had a yearly physical at the end of May and my AST was 25 and ALT was 27.  Everything else was normal.  Two weeks later I had my exam for life insurance and my levels were 81 and 54, respectively.  Everything else for my exam went very well.  I was hoping for the best class, but now I am only offered standard class.  Is this type of change normal?  I am a 32 year old male (6'-0", 180 lbs).  What can cause this change?  I do drink, but drank very little between the two exams.  I don't smoke.

[djv]

Sorry, 2nd test was 6 weeks later, not 2 weeks.

[GI.PA]

The elevations are very minimal and the work-up will most likey be unrevealing.  But since the elevations have persisted almost six months, your doctor is correct in looking at this further.

I would not worry, but I would follow your docs advise.

Erin

[mjz27]

I too have slightly elevated ALT levels and was wondering if Im getting worried over possibly nothing.  ALT levels were 44(march 2003), 45(April 2003), 49(Aug 2003), all other liver levels were within normal ranges(last blood test in '98, ALT was 36).  My Dr. has scheduled and ultrasound and full Hepatitis workup.  I lead a clean lifestyle, but Im a little concerned over the rising trend in the ALT levels.  Is this something I should be concerned about?

Mike

[kevinmd]

Hello - I will be on vacation until August 9th. I look forward to answering your question when I return.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[GI.PA]

You ALT is very minimally elevated and in some labs considered normal.  The flucuation from and ALT of 23 and and ALT of 43 is minimal and the change is no cause for alarm as these numbers tend to flucuate.

The liver tests should be followed by your family doctor to see if the trend is elevated.  They can also screen for viral hepatitis and may get an abdominal ultrasound to look at the structure of the liver.  If the trend is continued elevation over six months, then more extensive laboratory evaluation is indicated to rule out metabolic or congenital liver diseases.  

Erin
GI.PA