My Liver Enzymes are AST 209, ALT 299?

[mattfro66]

How serious are these and how long would it take to return to normal w/o consuming alcohol?

I am a 44 yo Caucasian male. Any input is appreciated. Thank you!
Thanks pecola... Saw my Dr today, that's when I got the results.

He wants me to cut out the booze for a month and then get another panel done.

He didn't send me for a CT, so how concerned could he be? Thanks again!

 

[pecolaprincepessa]

normal ast is 0-40 IU/L and normal alt is 0-45 IU/L
some reasons for elevated levels are
viral hepatitis
• A fatty liver
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Drug/medication-induced liver disease
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Herbal toxicity
• Genetic liver diseases
• Liver tumors
• Heart failure
- Strenuous exercise
Adrenal insufficiency (inadequate levels of hormones released by the adrenal gland)
A shot or injection of medicine into muscle tissue
obesity
elevated triglycerides
this is a few reasons why you should discuss this with your medical doctor

 

[abijann]

The AST and ALT are known as the liver enzymes.
The liver cells make these enzymes so the liver can perform
the many metabolic processes that it does. When the liver
cells become damaged, then these enzymes leak out and go
higher on the blood tests results. The ALT enzymes is the most
specific to the liver, though, because it is made mostly by the liver
cells.

The liver enzymes tests (ALT,AST,GGT, ALP)are not the only tests done
to determine a liver/biliary problem...there is also the liver function tests
{Bilirubin, INR, Pt, Ptt, Albumin}...plus the liver viral tests {for Hep A,B,C,etc}
and the liver cancer blood test known as the alpha fetoprotein.

There are over 40+ different causes of the liver cell damage, but they
all follow the same course:
The liver cells become damaged.
The immune system of the body will respond to this damage.
The response to this damage causes inflammation.
The inflammation causes the liver to enlarge in size, which in
turn can also cause the spleen to enlarge.

If the liver cell damage is done by a cause, like alcohol, which can
be stopped...then the inflammation can lessen and the liver cells
can heal. If not it can lead to where the liver cells die off and
form scar tissue inside the liver. It then becomes a progressive,
irreversible disease known as Cirrhosis of the liver.

The liver is the organ that takes toxins out of the blood and converts
it into a non toxic form that the body can easily dispose of.
When someone Overconsumes alcohol, it doesn't give the liver
cells time to make enough enzymes to convert the alcohol to
acetaldehyde, then to acetate, and then to carbon dioxide and
water. Left unconverted completely, it becomes toxic to the liver cells.
On the other hand, people who consume alcohol over Long time periods,
can develop a build up of fat inside the liver. The liver is surrounded
by a tight membrane capsule...the fat causes increase pressure
inside the liver leading to liver cell damage.

Some people are more sensitive to alcohol than others are and some
are even allergic to it. Therefore, just like any other drug, some will
react to it right away...others over time...and others not a all.
Taking medications with alcohol can cause such an interaction to
develop between them that can instantly damage the liver cells.

So, the doctor is asking you to take the first steps to try to remedy
what may be taking place. He will probably do more blood testing
to be sure it is the alcohol that is causing the problem. If the
liver enzymes go down (this is a sign it was). If they don't go
down, then he may refer you to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist.
He or they will want an ultrasound done to see if the liver has
enlarged (which means inflammation), look at the liver itself and
check for growths/cancer/tumors/cysts and other things, see
how well the blood flows through the liver and also check the
gallbladder and biliary ducts for possible obstructions, and
more.

I would definitely follow the advice of the doctor. You may be
very sensitive to alcohol and you are now getting the warning
signs of having a possible liver problem.
Do not do exercise before having these liver testings done, as
some enzymes can raise higher because of muscle usage or
muscle injury.

Best wishes to you. Hope this information is of some help.
Most people ask about liver transplantation. Most Transplant
Centers do not accept a patient for evaluation to be placed
on the transplant list unless they are detoxed from alcohol for
a period of six month, under doctors care, before being
referred to them for evaluation process. Also, a liver
transplant costs in the range of $300,000 and up which
is paid by some insurance or by the patients themselves.