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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Elevated AST And ALT Levels?

My AST level came to 79 and ALT 108, significantly higher than last time. What could be the reason. I am 55 years old, take no medication, 5 ft, 160 lbs woman with no other issues. Did have jaundice as a child. I exercise 300 minutes a week, swimming, running and weights. In the last 2-3 years, I have noticed that my joints hurt and I have more aches and pains - I thought it is just aging. Please advise.
Thu, 27 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Dear Madam, Hi & Welcome.

Suspicious of hemochromatosis (chronic iron overload).

Based on the history given & the raised liver enzymes you seem to be suffering from a condition called hemochromatosis.

Hemochromatosis is an inherited condition in which the body absorbs & stores too much iron. The extra iron builds up in several organs, especially the liver, and can cause serious damage.

Healthy people usually absorb about 10 percent of the iron contained in the food they eat to meet the body’s needs.

People with hemochromatosis absorb more than the body needs. The body has no natural way to rid itself of the excess iron, causing the excess to build up in the organs.

In view of the above I would advise you to consult a physician for proper clinical evaluation and certain lab tests like serum iron studies to confirm the diagnosis.

Its treatment is simple, inexpensive, and safe. The first step is to rid the body of excess iron. The process is called phlebotomy, which means removing blood the same way it is drawn from donors at blood banks.

Depending on how severe the iron overload is, a pint of blood will be taken once or twice a week for several months to a year, and occasionally longer. The goal is to bring the iron levels in the blood to well within the normal range and keep them there.

Hope the advice given above would be useful.
Best wishes.
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What Causes Elevated AST And ALT Levels?

Dear Madam, Hi & Welcome. Suspicious of hemochromatosis (chronic iron overload). Based on the history given & the raised liver enzymes you seem to be suffering from a condition called hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is an inherited condition in which the body absorbs & stores too much iron. The extra iron builds up in several organs, especially the liver, and can cause serious damage. Healthy people usually absorb about 10 percent of the iron contained in the food they eat to meet the body’s needs. People with hemochromatosis absorb more than the body needs. The body has no natural way to rid itself of the excess iron, causing the excess to build up in the organs. In view of the above I would advise you to consult a physician for proper clinical evaluation and certain lab tests like serum iron studies to confirm the diagnosis. Its treatment is simple, inexpensive, and safe. The first step is to rid the body of excess iron. The process is called phlebotomy, which means removing blood the same way it is drawn from donors at blood banks. Depending on how severe the iron overload is, a pint of blood will be taken once or twice a week for several months to a year, and occasionally longer. The goal is to bring the iron levels in the blood to well within the normal range and keep them there. Hope the advice given above would be useful. Best wishes.