Hi There..
I had some general blood tests done including Full Blood Count and Liver Function. Everything came back fine apart from an ALT level of 80. The doctor said its nothing to worry about but I cant help thinking it might be serious. I know that you need to look at things in context but just wondered if anyone else had had this.
Yes, my liver enzymes are up and down like a yoyo. They usually compare Alt to Ast, mine were raised a while back, now down but Ggt is up!! 80 is not that high, (mine was higher than that last time, now down to 55. However the reference numbers in the lab (I am in France) have changed and now 30 is the new 50....sigh. Docs. get a bit excited when they are in the hundreds. Hope this helps.
I think i'd go with your doctor at this time saying there isn't anything serious to be concerned about.
"Significantly elevated levels (yours isn't significantly elevated - it can go into 100's or 1000's) of ALT often suggest the existence of other medical problems such as viral hepatitis, diabetes, congestive heart failure, liver damage, bile duct problems, infectious mononucleosis, or myopathy, so ALT is commonly used as a way of screening for liver problems. Elevated ALT may also be caused by dietary choline deficiency. However, elevated levels of ALT do not automatically mean that medical problems exist. Fluctuation of ALT levels is normal over the course of the day, and they can also increase in response to strenuous physical exercise.
When elevated ALT levels are found in the blood, the possible underlying causes can be further narrowed down by measuring other enzymes. For example, elevated ALT levels due to hepatocyte damage can be distinguished from bile duct problems by measuring alkaline phosphatase. Also, myopathy-related elevations in ALT should be suspected when the aspartate transaminase (AST) is greater than ALT; the possibility of muscle disease causing elevations in liver tests can be further explored by measuring muscle enzymes, including creatine kinase. Many drugs may elevate ALT levels, including Zileuton, omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza), anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, cholesterol medications, some antipsychotics such as risperidone, and anticonvulsants. Paracetamol may also elevate ALT levels."
So, seeing as your ALT level is only slightly elevated and none of the other enzymes are then it probably rules out any liver issue. ALT can fluctuate during the day and as the above quote say it can be elevated due to exercise & some tablets etc.
If you are significantly concerned - live healthily for a few months and get tests repeated.
Katie
Thanks Katie... you seem to know a lot about this stuff. What worries me is that my mother has Autoimmune Hep (the non viral type). I am sure there would have been other warning signs other than a slightly raised ALT but I am a worrier!
My husband has cirrhosis due to AIH - you would need tests for the antibodies linked with AIH. A flare with AIH results in more than just a rise in ALT.
If you feel unwell for any period of time then ask for tests for AIH.
Fingers crossed this is just a blip in your ALT level. If all your others are doing ok then it probably is ok.
Katie x
so i was tested for AIH. think they did Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and Smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) tests. The other one they did was ESR??
I got a call form the receptionist at the doc today to say that there was nothing to worry about but could the doc see me next friday.
I am assuming its ok but they clearly picked up on something or I wouldn't be asked to go back in a week. The receptionist said that the doc had marked everything as normal but made no comment on the biochemicals what ever that means.
Anyway hope all is well
cheers
My levels were up and I researched drinking beetroot juice. I started having 2 glasses a day and within 2 weeks my levels for my liver were back to normal. Give it a go ...
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