32 y/o male, ALT 117 - AST 59, non-drinker, etc.

[Tim0083]

I am a 32 y/o male in realatively good health with exception to back issues (2 buldging dics and a L6 pars defect).

I discovered last month that my AST was high... tested at 67,  I had blood work done today - it is now at 59. I understand the norm is 45 or less.

Since my AST is still somewhat high my doctor tested my ALT, I was a bit overwelmed to learn it was at 117 almost double the norm. He said he a full liver panel test all others were nornal except the above,

I don't drink - I do not take any med's with tylenol... I am curious what would cause this?

I do have two uncles that are alcholics (one of which is now deceased).... I have never drank a lot, only socially at best a few times a year. So I just don't get it. My Dad says that my great aunt (my dads mothers sister) and some her sons died of liver decease however he says they drank essesively.

It also turns out that my liver emzimes have been high for the last 4 years... About that time I was donating plasma, they indicated to me that due to high emzimes I was no longer permitted to donate plasma. I didn't think much of it and it ended there until recently.

Can anyone tell me what might be the likely cause of this?

I cannot believe its enough for me to potentially get liver decease just because I have had relatives that have had liver decease...Is liver decease hereditary?

Thanks to anyone that replies.

[scubadiver30]

Hi there
How are you these days?
Cool pic of you and steve ;-)
How is he doing BTW?

saludos
scuba

[scubadiver30]

HI there
Don't mean to scare you but I had the same ALT/AST readings for 3 years until I had a complete checkup.
It turned out I was HCV positive.
Plz get tested as Jim says asap

saludos
scuba

[nygirl7]

Agree - if a doctor doesn't seem quite sure of the different reasons that could be causing this (a liver enzyme is released when a liver cell dies...so generally you don't want that number going up high as it is a sign that liver damage is bein done) - find a different doctor.  You have the right to...it's not an insult as every different doctor seems these days to be a "specialist".  Gone are the Marcus Welby MD days where they knew "everything".

Good luck.  I would get tested ASAP for Hep A,B and C as said above.

[jmjm530]

There can be a number of reasons for mildly elevated liver enzymes as is your case. "Double the norm" does not mean twice as high because ALT does not rise in a linear fashion.

Based on what you said, I'm surprised your doctor hasn't ordered a Hepatitis Panel to test for Hepatitis A, B and C. That's what I would ask for next.

If your doctor shakes his/her head as many docs uneducated in Hepatitis sometimes do, then make an appointment with a gastroenteroloigst or preferably a liver specialist (hepatologist).

Liver specialists can generally be found at your larger, teaching hospitals.

-- Jim