ALT results

[Koinonia]

Until this month my ALT results had been low (from 23 to 31 in the past 3 years) but this time have come back as 57. I have read that ALT numbers reflect inflamation so should I be worried? My next hepatologist appt is not til October.

[AyrshireK]

At 57 your ALT is only very mildly elevated (normal range for my hubbies hospital is 5-55 U - this can vary from hospital to hospital but not wildly) . Its a number that can fluctuate throughout the day or if you have a bug or taken a pain killer or such like. Concern is raised about ALT & inflammation when it is soaring several times over the normal range not just one or two points over.

I wouldn't panic or feel the need to bring forward clinic appointments at that low a level of ALT.

All the best,

Katie x

[Koinonia in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Katie for your quick and reassuring post.The limits on my list are 7.00-35.00uL so I thought I was way over the norm but I feel reassured now. Bless you.

Diane

[AyrshireK in reply to Koinonia]

Even at that range yes you are over but concerns are generally only raised when it is multiple times over (Auto-Immune Hepatitis patients during a flare can experience ALT levels into the thousands). It can just be a blip at the level of elevation in your recent test - even exercise can raise ALT.

Certainly wouldn't be panicking at the level seen on this test.

Katie x

[Koinonia in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you again Katie, You are a great source of information. So kind of you to reply again. Diane x

[Hidden]

I agree with Katie, no cause for panic. However, since having a bleed from varices (I also have AIH), I have established with my consultant at the QE what level they feel uncomfortable with my ALT going over, so now I have a baseline number to communicate with my GP. They have only established this because as yet they do not understand why I have had the bleed and so I am currently undergoing further investigations. I would suggest on this basis in order to put your mind at rest, that you could ask your consultant in Oct what they would see as a problem number for your ALT, so that you don't have to worry about it in the future. All the best

[Koinonia]

Thank you