HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologyalanine transaminase testI have had a high level of AST and ALT for five years. Why?

What could be the reason for high AST and ALT levels for the past five years?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 17, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 8, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have reported high ALT and AST levels for the past five years. I have a normal weight and attached my blood tests and liver ultrasound reports. My doctor says that the levels are not getting down and recommended to consult with a liver specialist. Three months ago, my ALT was 108 and my AST was 63; but last month, my ALT was 93, and my AST was 56. My GGT 31 X-Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score was 9.01 and the abdominal ultrasound depicted elevated liver enzymes with no surgical history. When technique transabdominal ultrasound was performed, then the liver was normal in size and measures 141 mm. It demonstrates a smooth border and appears slightly echogenic, with no evidence of intrahepatic ductal dilatation. Hepatic veins were patent. The main portal vein shows normal hepatopetal flow. The gallbladder shows normal morphology with no stones. The gallbladder wall is not thickened and measures 1.6 mm. The sonographic Murphy sign is negative. The common bile duct measures 2.4 mm anteroposteriorly, which is normal. The pancreas appears to be normal in size and echotexture. The right kidney demonstrates normal morphology and cortical echogenicity, with no evidence of stones, masses, or hydronephrosis. The right kidney measures 90 x 43 x 43 mm. The cortex measures 11 mm. No free fluid is seen. There is fatty infiltration of the liver parenchyma. I have presented my reports from the past five years. Please tell me what my reports depict.

Thank you.

Hi,

I appreciate you signing up on icliniq.

You have exclusive access to expert's medical opinions.

I have reviewed your reports (attachment removed to protect patient's identity). Your ALT (Alanine transaminase) is fluctuating but most of the time, it remains high, which means that there is some inflammation going on in your liver. The cause of it looks like it is fatty liver as your liver ultrasound shows that your liver has fat infiltration and even your HBA1C is high which shows up as a sign of being in the pre-diabetic range and puts you in the metabolic syndrome range. At the moment your liver is stable and no major damage done but I will guide you to control the problem. I need your exact weight and height so that I can calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index) and require a test. Please answer and report back.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you doctor for answering. My current weight is 157 Ib and I am 5 feet 11 inches. I do have a pot belly but the rest of my body is in normal shape. I also want to mention that in the past five years, I have lost muscle mass in my glutes and side hips, and back muscles. I cannot climb stairs or run but I can walk for miles easily with no problem. I have undergone a spine MRI but have reported nothing but my surgeon advised me to work on building up core muscles. I wonder if this is related. Also, I am diabetic for the last four years and have thyroid issues. I take 2000 mg of Metformin with 100 mg of Levothyroxine and take 10 mg of Atorvastatin for cholesterol. I also want to ask do I have to go for other tests, and should I get them? Please tell me what are the other test I have to do.

Thank you.

Hi,

Glad to have you back.

I am here to help you get the best medical advice.

I think your diabetes and thyroid issues are well controlled with medications. Your weight is fine as per your height but needs some work up on your belly. If you are taking some protein supplements for muscles then it can disturb your ALT (Alanine Transaminase). And I would suggest you go for an ANA (Antinuclear antibody) test. ANA profile which includes ANA (Antinuclear antibody), ASMA (Anti-smooth muscle antibody), and Anti-LKM 1 (Liver-kidney Microsome) test.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you for the reply doctor,

I am a man. Does gender make a difference? I am not taking any protein supplements, and I have also found a previous year's ANA test report. Is that okay? Kindly suggest.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern. There is a misinterpretation as being a man or woman, does not make any major difference. Yes, this is the required test report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) and it is normal. I suggest you a medicine that will improve this ALT (Alanine transaminase) and I suggest you consult your doctor and then start a capsule of Vitamin E 400 mg twice a day for three to six months. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the prompt reply.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are welcome. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf
Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf

Medical Gastroenterology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Medical Gastroenterology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy