abnormal ast

[ccmomm]

Good Morning,

During this years routine physcial, my doctor noted that my ast level was slight elevated 42 (test was normal to 40). She asked I get retested in one month, and suggested if it was elevated at that time they would screen for Hep B, C etc.

I am a worrier, but am trying to recount the facts. In december at end of third trimester, they tested me for abnormal liver function (thought i had hellp) all came back normal, additionally I had liver ultrasound which was normal. I had regular bloodwork for the last 6 years, (two pregancies) all have been normal ast/alt.  During a hospital stay in 2009, for abdominal pain they checked my liver to be cautious that was normal then too.

Given the amount of tests done almost exactly 6 months ago, is there need to be seriously concerned about the elevated ast? I have been teste for Hep B numberous times for pregnancies always negative. I dont have any major risk factors for hep c (had tatoo in 1999 at licensed established biz).

Thank you in advance.

[HectorSF]

From MedicineNet.com

"AST is normally found in a variety of tissues including liver, heart, muscle, kidney, and brain. It is released into the serum when any one of these tissues is damaged. For example, its level in serum rises in heart attacks or with muscle disorders. It is therefore, not a highly specific indicator of liver injury as it can occur from other injured tissues."

A shot or injection of medicine into muscle tissue, or even strenuous exercise, may increase AST levels.

In rare instances, some drugs can damage the liver or muscle, increasing AST levels. This is true of both prescription drugs and some "natural" health products. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs and health supplements you are taking.

Hector

[cheesenrice]

you have absolutely no reason to worry - different labs have different norms - whats high at one lab may be normal at another - as anne said there are many many causes for ast elevation - ast is not liver specific - when its accompanied with a high alt reading there could be cause for concern about the liver

[Anne1717]

Elevated AST can be caused by other conditions than Hepatitis - thyroid conditions, osteoporosis, to name a few.   Normal or abnormal ALT/AST does not necessarily indicate fyou have hepatitis.  I had acute HCV and mine was very high while others with chronic HCV will be normal.

At any rate, DON"T WORRY , but get tested.  BTW - tattoos, even from licensed salons are not safe if they use the same ink well for all their clients.  Pedicures, manicures, a barber shaving your neck.....you just don't know what odd or rare occurrence may be the source of infection.  Everyone should be tested.