What causes high ALT and AST levels?

What causes high ALT and AST levels?

Abnormal liver function test with raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and raised aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are commonly seen in primary care setting. Chronic alcohol consumption, drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and chronic viral hepatitis are common causes associated with raised ALT and AST.

What is abnormal AST and ALT?

If you have high levels of AST and/or ALT, it may mean that you have some type of liver damage. You may also have an AST test as part of a group of liver function tests that measure ALT, and other enzymes, proteins, and substances in the liver.

What is the normal range for ALT levels?

Normal Results The normal range is 4 to 36 U/L. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.

What does it mean having a lower AST than ALT?

Destruction of the liver caused by drugs/toxins (e.g.

  • Hepatitis B,C or other viral diseases that may affect the liver;
  • Haemochromatosis ;
  • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis – inflammation of the liver that was not caused by an excess amount of alcohol; and
  • Autoimmune hepatitis – where your body attacks its cells and organs.
  • What are dangerous Alt and AST levels?

    AST and ALT serum levels in some liver conditions can range anywhere from ten times the upper limits of normal to thousands of units/liter. The highest levels of AST and ALT are found with disorders that cause rapid death of numerous liver cells (extensive hepatic necrosis).

    What is considered high AST and ALT levels?

    What is Considered High AST and ALT Levels? When the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is elevated 10 or more times the upper limit of reference (values lower than 40 U/l), it can be diagnosed the existence of acute liver injury, and in these cases should be initiated immediately the etiological study.

    What level of AST and Alt is dangerous?

    What level of AST and ALT is dangerous? The AST is typically in the 100 to 200 IU/L range, even in severe disease, and the ALT level may be normal, even in severe cases. The AST level is higher than the ALT level, and the ratio is greater than 2:1 in 70% of patients.