AST and ALT levels

[Dibby1971]

Hey all. I have been diagnosed PBC. I found out today my bloods are AST 78 and ALT 69 ? Three months ago my ALT was 56? Is this a significant change in 3 months I don’t know? Reading online my AST should be lower than the ALT? So confusing. Waiting Fibroscan now. Apparently it says online if AST is higher than ALT this could be a sign of scarring/ fibrosis? Thanks all.xxx

[Hidden]

Hi Dibby1971,

Sorry that you are having to deal with your diagnosis, the forum is a very good place where you can get support and advice from our many members.

However, nobody here is qualified to be able to comment or specifically answer your question. The forum / British Liver Trust (BLT) guidelines ask members to not post test results and invite interpretation.

Please make full use of the BLT website. If you need to speak to a person about your situation, the Trust have a helpline where you can talk to one of our qualified and very experienced nurses.

The British Liver Trust Helpline is a lifeline for anyone affected by a liver condition. Call 0800 652 7330 between 10am and 2.45pm Monday to Friday (not bank holidays) or email [e-mail] (emails can be sent at any time and are answered during helpline hours).

britishlivertrust.org.uk/fi...

Best wishes,

Volunteer moderator.

[GrittyReads]

There is a UK-based support group for PBC.

This is the 'PBC Foundation' and they do have a site here on 'Health Unlocked' so either search on here for them, or just Google ' 'PBC Foundation' - but make sure it is them - they were strated by Collette Thain, when she was diagnosed with PBC. They are very helpful and incredibly active, and they work closely with the UK's leading PBC specialists.

The diagnosis of PBC is quite specific, and there are 3 tests / determining factors to be taken into consideration. The liver function tests (LFTs) you mention - for ALT and AST - are some of the LF chemicals which may be involved, but as part of 'one' of the three separate diagnostic tests.

(NB with some people being tested for PBC, it can be other liver function chemicals that may be raised, as well as, or instead of ALT and AST).

However there are other tests as well as the LFTs, that are done, such as whether you have the autoimmune antibody AMA-M2 (antimitochondrial antibodies). The 3rd test is to have a liver biopsy, although often a fibroscan may be done first [NB Ultrasounds can be used to rule out other conditions, but they are not detailed enough to diagnose PBC]

But do check out the 'PBC foundation' they were wonderful with me when I was - incorrectly - told, by a GP(!), that I had PBC.

I hope this helps,

Gritty

[Dibby1971 in reply to GrittyReads]

Hello Gritty. This all makes sense and yes o am positive for AMA as well.I was told by my consultant no need for liver biopsy as all my bloods were enough to diagnose PBC. He wants Fibroscan scan done now. I mentioned mri scan but he didn’t think that was needed? I also have Collitis which is auto immune and some symptoms that all have suggested are related.My Aunty also has PBC and is awaiting liver transplant although has had the disease 15 plus years. I am with the PBC foundation.

Iv had ultrasound which showed all ok but since found out it wouldn’t of shown scarring and hardness. Will be glad to have Fibroscan some tomorrow and find out what’s going on. Thank you very much for your reply it’s a big help.

[GrittyReads in reply to Dibby1971]

Hi Dibby,

Glad that what I said chimed with your tests and experience. Also so good that you already know of the 'PBC F'.

I hope tomorrow goes well. The treatment now is so good that if PBC is caught early, and people respond well to urso, there is less and less need for transplants.

Take care, and above all, try no to stress. Always, always treat yourself, relax, and do things you love and enjoy: stress is the worst for all autoimmune conditions.

Gritty

[Dibby1971 in reply to GrittyReads]

Thank you and Iv had my Fibroscan with a kpa result of 6 point something so good news. Hopefully now meds will slow things down.

I agree do what makes you happy. I can relax a bit now as it seems no scarring as yet so I’m happy.

All the best to you and thank you so much 😊 xx