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What Causes Elevated ALT And SGPT Levels?
Question: My name is XXXX. I am a healthy 44 year old male with no previous health issues. I am being treated for an anxiety disorder. I recently had blood work. My SPGT ALT enzymes were elevated to 88 U/L. My SGOT AST was 27 U/L. What could cause myALT enzymes to be elevated. I have never had a bad blood work in my entire life. I have never abused alcohol or prescritption medication. I have never taken an illegal drug either. Ther is no history of liver, heart, or kidney disease in my family. I did have surgery about 6 months ago to repair a diviated septum. Any possible ideas as to why this was elevated?
I should also state I am 6'5 and weigh 195 lbs.
I should also state I am 6'5 and weigh 195 lbs.
Brief Answer:
many reasons
Detailed Answer:
I see your ALT is elevated. Your AST is normal. I assume your bilirrubin and alkaline phosphatase are normal as well (other liver test routinely checked together with your AST/ALT).
There are many causes of elevation of your ALT. First of all it could be medication related if you take any psychiatric meds, or anything over the counter, or herbals.
You should get tested for viral hepatitis as well (particularly hepatitis B and C), which do not cause any symptoms, and can cause chronic infection of your liver (these viruses are usually transmitted via blood or sex).
If you don't drink alcohol then that is out of the question. You may have fat in the liver as well, even if you are thin. That can be checked with an ultrasound of the liver. The ultrasound will also help to see if your bile ducts are ok.
Then there are other causes which may be worth checking if above is unremarkable: autoimmune liver disease, metabolisms disorders (such a copper overload or iron overload), genetic defects, etc.
Your recent surgery should not be related to this.
Check with your local gastroenterologist or hepatologist to make sure.
Hope that answers your question.
many reasons
Detailed Answer:
I see your ALT is elevated. Your AST is normal. I assume your bilirrubin and alkaline phosphatase are normal as well (other liver test routinely checked together with your AST/ALT).
There are many causes of elevation of your ALT. First of all it could be medication related if you take any psychiatric meds, or anything over the counter, or herbals.
You should get tested for viral hepatitis as well (particularly hepatitis B and C), which do not cause any symptoms, and can cause chronic infection of your liver (these viruses are usually transmitted via blood or sex).
If you don't drink alcohol then that is out of the question. You may have fat in the liver as well, even if you are thin. That can be checked with an ultrasound of the liver. The ultrasound will also help to see if your bile ducts are ok.
Then there are other causes which may be worth checking if above is unremarkable: autoimmune liver disease, metabolisms disorders (such a copper overload or iron overload), genetic defects, etc.
Your recent surgery should not be related to this.
Check with your local gastroenterologist or hepatologist to make sure.
Hope that answers your question.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your answers. At least I know what to expect.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
let me know if you have further questions.
take care
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
let me know if you have further questions.
take care
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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