Elevated Liver Enzymes-Need help with interpretation

[megandjay]

Hello,  

My husband is 30 years old and generally very healthy.  We just had a screening for life insurance and they bumped him up to the next risk category b/c of elevated liver enzymes (alt ast and ggt).  Can someone tell me how elevated his are and what could cause this?  He is a moderate drinker...maybe a beer or two 2-3 times a week.  He was screened for hep C/HIV and both were negative.  He is 5'8" and 165.  He is seeing his primary doctor in a couple weeks.  Do these numbers seem worrysome?

alk.phos     67
Bili Total   0.8
AST          34  (normal 0-33)
ALT          61   (normal 0-45)
GGT          84   (normal 0-65)
ALBumin      4.8
Cholest      178

Thank you very much for your insight and thoughts.

Meg

[Kevin Pho, MD]

This is mild elevation in the liver enzymes.  Before jumping to any conclusions, I would repeat these tests off alcohol - since this is the most obvious cause.

In addition to being screened for hepatitis C and HIV, I would also consider tests for hepatitis A and B.  A liver ultrasound can also be considered to rule out any masses or fatty liver (which can be associated with alcohol consumption).  

If these tests are negative, and the enzymes remain elevated, then more specilized tests for Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis can be considered.  

Although a liver biopsy is the most comprehensive test, this is typically reserved for patients with greater than twofold elevations in the AST and ALT.  

Again, I would repeat these tests in a few weeks off alcohol.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[drnscr]

Help....while not terrible, I don't understand what a ALT level of 59 means....all of my other Liver function tests came back normal....I'm on Avalide, Avapro and Zocor....please tell me what this all means

[eveningstar]

Of course I am not a doctor, but no, this does not sound alarming.  Many prescription and over the counter drugs can cause a rise in liver enzymes.  Has your husband recently been ill or started a new medication?  Tylenol and alcohol can definitely raise the levels.  My ALT was 90 a couple of years ago and for five weeks follwoing the test, I did not drink a drop of alcohol, and was retested and it was in the 30s.  Just my own experience. It is a good idea to follow up with his doctor on the situation.  Good luck.