What are the side effects of a really high AST level? (11 times normal?)

[Honeybee_100]

Quick version:  I'm wondering what the side effects of extremely high (11 times normal) AST are.  I've been feeling extremely fatigued, achy etc.

What could cause my AST levels to jump from 37 to 394 in less than two weeks?


Here's a bit of background...

I'm quite sure I don't have hepatitis, as I was just checked for antibodies and recieved the twinrix vaccine a few weeks ago.

I have been on antibiotics for several months to treat lyme disease, and have had weekly liver tests (all of which were in the normal range until last week).

My normal range for AST is less than 36.  Two weeks ago it was at 37.  This week it is at 394.

The only things that have changed are that I got a twinrix vaccine, and I am on a very small dose (10 mg) or chlomiprimine because the biaxin (one of the antibiotics) was causing major heart palpitations.

I don't understand why the AST would jump so quickly (all other blood work is fine).  I am having an abdominal ultrasound in couple of weeks, and have been told to stop taking all meds.  I don't drink, I'm very fit, I don't take pain meds, and I eat really well.

I've also been feeling terrible the last couple weeks.  Extreme fatigue, stomache pain, and major muscle/joint aches.  I assumed it was due to the lyme....but is it possible that this is an affect of high AST levels?  I thought my lyme was getting better.

Any thoughs on what caused the rapid jump, and any info on the side effects of high AST levels would be appreiated.

[Forseegood]

odd you should mention that, just reading in a medical journal that lyme disease has gone up twice the amount in the last 10 years, ugly little ticks...

[WaveRider]

Typo, should be AST.

[WaveRider]

Your elevated ALT and symptoms appear to be more related to Lyme disease than Hep C http://www.aldf.com/Ehrlichiosis.shtml
To be on the safe side get tested for the Hep virus - A, B and C. Its a simple blood draw.

[shastri20032003]

My ast/alt levels went up 20 times before I got diagnosed for hep c and I had symptoms of jaunduce
best is to get your tested...there is no substitute for that
Take care

[nygirl7]

PS The problems you mention are all related to Hepc.  I'd get the blood test asap just to rule it out - but you have to find out what is going on here, quickly.

[nygirl7]

Well a giant jump in your AST is showing you that you have a lot of liver cell death going on right now and that means liver damage.

You need to get to the root of the problem.

Why don't you think you have hepC?  Have you been tested?

MANY people who have had it don't think that they possibly could.

Didn't you hear on the news today about the Anesthesiologist in NYC and now how a whole cluster of his patients came down with it and how all 5000 patients from around the time period have to be tested?

You can have this disease and never ever realize it.  that's why it is called The Silent Killer.

[copyman]

AST or SGOT

One of the two main liver function blood serum tests (the other being the ALT test). The purpose of this blood test is to detect a recent myocardial infarction (heart attack); to aid detection and differential diagnosis of acute hepatic disease and to monitor patient progress and prognosis in cardiac and hepatic diseases. AST levels by a commonly used method range from 8 to 20 U/L although some ranges may express a maximum high in the 40s. (Check with your physician.)

AST levels fluctuate in response to the extent of cellular necrosis (cell death) and therefore may be temporarily and minimally elevated early in the disease process, and extremely elevated during the most acute phase. Depending on when the initial sample was drawn, AST levels can rise- indicating increasing disease severity and tissue damage- or fall- indicating disease resolution and tissue repair. Thus, the relative change in AST values serves as a reliable monitoring mechanism.

Maximum elevations are associated with certain diseases and conditions. For example, very high elevations (more than 20 times normal) may indicate acute viral hepatitis, severe skeletal muscle trauma, extensive surgery, drug- induced hepatic injury, and severe liver congestion. High levels (ranging from 10 to 20 times normal) may indicate severe myocardial infarction (heart attack), severe infectious mononucleosis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. High levels may also occur during the resolving stages of conditions that cause maximal elevations. Moderate-to-high levels (ranging from 5 to 10 times normal) may indicate chronic hepatitis and other conditions. Low-to-moderate levels (ranging from 2 to 5 times normal) may indicate metastatic hepatic tumours, acute pancreatitis, pulmonary emboli, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and fatty liver (steatosis).
SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxalocetic Transaminase - AST)
Serum Glutamic Oxalocetic Transaminase or AST is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, and muscles. Seen in tissue damage, especially heart and liver, this enzyme is normally elevated. Vitamin B deficiency and pregnancy are two instances where the enzyme may be decreased.

Normal Adult Range: 0 - 42 U/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 21

[l-horn]

I'm confused. What is your ALT level ?