Table of Contents
Is it common to have slightly elevated liver enzymes?
Mild, asymptomatic elevations (less than five times the upper limit of normal) of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels are common in primary care. It is estimated that approximately 10\% of the U.S. population has elevated transaminase levels.
Can a stomach virus cause liver enzymes to elevate?
An examination of the stool for norovirus antigen was positive, and a blood examination revealed a marked elevation of liver enzymes. Liver dysfunction, as well as symptoms related to gastroenteritis, was ameliorated solely by supportive treatment.
What can throw off your liver enzymes?
Causes
- Over-the-counter pain medications, particularly acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
- Certain prescription medications, including statin drugs used to control cholesterol.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Heart failure.
- Hepatitis A.
- Hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis C.
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Can GGT be elevated for no reason?
Yes, GGT is very sensitive and can be increased when you don’t have symptoms. This elevation may be temporary, perhaps due to medications that you are taking or due to drinking alcohol within 24 hours of the test.
Which is worse ALT or AST?
In addition, patients with Wilson’s disease or cirrhosis due to viral hepatitis may have an AST that is greater than the ALT, though the ratio typically is not greater than two. When the AST is higher than ALT, a muscle source of these enzymes should be considered….
| AST/ALT ratio | |
|---|---|
| LOINC | 16325-3, 1916-6 |
What level of GGT is too high?
What Do High Levels of GGT Mean? Your results will be in international units per liter, or IU/L. In adults, GGT levels in the range of 0 to 30 IU/L are normal. Anything above 30 IU/L could be a sign that your liver isn’t working the way it should.
What causes elevated liver enzymes and elevated GGT levels?
If GGT is elevated along with ALP this is highly indicative of an obstruction in the plumbing of the liver or may indicate gallbladder disease. If you are dealing with “elevated liver enzymes” you most likely have an issue with AST and ALT.
What are normal levels of AST and Alt in fatty liver?
The elevation in AST and ALT observed in this condition tends to be mild (and may even be missed!). People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will often have a very “modest” elevation in AST and ALT, somewhere in the 30-70 range for both.
What should be the initial evaluation of mild elevated liver enzymes?
If the elevation is mild (less than twice the upper limit of normal), liver tests should be repeated prior to embarking on an extensive workup. If the abnormality persists, the initial evaluation is the same as the workup for marked ALT/AST elevations and the following etiologies may be considered:.
What drugs can cause elevated liver enzymes?
Many prescription drugs also induce elevated ALT. Cholesterol lowering agents (such as HMGCo-A reductase), anti tuberculosis drugs, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin are all known to cause mild elevated liver enzyme.