ALT/AST Ratio Concerns

[gertrudew]

I am a 52 year old female  and I used to drink heavily, but in the last year have curbed consumption tremendously.  I recently had my liver enzymes tested at a health fair and the results were ALT 22 iu/L and AST 37 iu/L . I was told these are abnormal.   From what I understand, the ALT is within normal range and the AST is slightly elevated, but the ratio is most concerning.  I read that a ration of ALT/AST >1 is an indication of cirrhosis, but the examples I see online are where the patient's ALT and AST value are near or above 100 iu/L  Is the correlation with cirrhosis and a ratio above 1 true even at these low levels?  If I quit all alcohol intake can these numbers improve?   Other than Triglycerides of 166 mg/dL everything else is normal.  How concerned should I be?

[flyersixer]

A related discussion, ALT= 229 and AST = 135 in 2 months. previously 50 and 61. was started.

[medmystery16]

A related discussion, what could this be? was started.

[gertrudew]

This did not answer these two questions:

1. Is the correlation with cirrhosis and a ratio above 1 true even at these low levels?  

2. If I quit all alcohol intake can these numbers improve?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Although the AST is mildly elevated, it is not at a level that signifies marked hepatitis.  

That said, if the numbers keep rising, cutting down on alcohol is recommended.  

The next step to evaluate the liver would be an imaging study, such as an ultrasound.  This test can look for signs suggestive of cirrhosis, as well as anatomic disease or inflammatory conditions.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd