DMD and Liver Enzymes

[risnerrose]

I just received a copy of my latest blood workup.  I've been on Betaseron for six months.  The following were flagged:

ALT is 56 (range 1-32)
AST is 44 (range 10-40)
Globulin 2.6 (range 2.9-4.3)
Albumin/Globulin ration 1.7 (range 0.5-1.5)  

Is this something to be concerned about?  

Thanks,

Sherry

[sllowe]

Hi there,

I'm glad they are keeping an eye on your liver enzymes since you are on betaseron. They should run a CBC and thyroid too every so often.   Sometimes they don't run the thyroid panel though as a general rule and you may have to request it.

Doesn't seem they ranges are extremely out of the average, but none the less it's good Dr. is keeping a watch - though they should have called you and not the other way around. Seems to be the norm these days for many, unfortunately.

Hope you'll let us know what Dr. says.

You feeling ok?

-shell

[risnerrose]

Thanks,

I've spoken to my Beta nurse and have contacted my neuro . . . now I wait for the return call.  I seem to spend a great deal of time waiting for return calls :)

Thanks again,

Sherry

[Karen99]

Hi Sherry.  Found this info on the web.  You will want to ask your doctor about the results, especially the ALT - which is high:

An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. ALT is found mainly in the liver, but also in smaller amounts in the kidneys, heart, muscles, and pancreas. ALT formerly was called serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT).

ALT is measured to see if the liver is damaged or diseased. Low levels of ALT are normally found in the blood. But when the liver is damaged or diseased, it releases ALT into the bloodstream, which makes ALT levels go up. Most increases in ALT levels are caused by liver damage.

The ALT test is often done along with other tests that check for liver damage, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and bilirubin. Both ALT and AST levels are reliable tests for liver damage.

Why It Is Done
The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test is done to:

Identify liver disease, especially cirrhosis and hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, or viruses.
Help check for liver damage.
Find out whether jaundice was caused by a blood disorder or liver disease.
Keep track of the effects of cholesterol-lowering medicines and other medicines that can damage the liver.