HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologyalcoholic live diseaseAre my liver enzymes elevated in my liver function test reports?

Can you please see my liver function test results and tell me how serious this is?

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.

Answered by

Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At November 2, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 25, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had a liver function test and the results showing as AST-99, ALT 178, and GGT 84. How serious are these?

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Well, the seriousness of this depends upon what causing this nearly double rise in ALT (Alanine transaminase) and AST (Aspartate transaminase) levels. But generally speaking, they are not that much worse. The values above five times the normal are usually severe. Your weight seems to be in control, so fatty liver disease does not seem to cause it. Alcohol intake, viral infections, certain drugs like Paracetamol and antibiotics, herbal supplements, anabolic steroids, and finally some metabolic diseases such as Wilson's disease (copper accumulation in the liver), hemochromatosis (iron accumulation) in the liver are the causes. The treatment of it also depends upon what we are dealing with.

  • Can you tell me your age? And for how long you notice this change in the liver function tests?
  • Do you intake alcohol?
  • Do you have any viral infections, namely hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or exposure to one of these?
  • Do you have any family history of liver disease viral or otherwise any addictive drug use like Cannabis, NMDA (N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid), or recent use of Paracetamol?
  • Do you have any fever, yellowish eyes, dark color urine, or itching?

Kindly provide the above information to understand your case better, and can guide you optimally for correction of these abnormal liver function tests.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

Answers to your questions are, I am 56 years old, and I did lose 16 lbs in weight in the past three months. I intake alcohol about 28 units in a week but cutting this down. I do not have any family history.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for providing this essential information. I think this is alcohol, which is causing this problem. A man should be taking no more than 21 standard drinks in a week. If I am not wrong, units mean a number of standard drinks? Cutting it down is the best strategy. However, if you have been drinking for quite a long time, say more than ten years, and with the same amount you mention, I suggest you have some additional testing to make sure everything is alright.

It includes,

  • Ultrasound abdomen.
  • Fibroscan (transient elastography) of the liver.
  • Serum albumin.
  • Rule out hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection by doing HbsAg (hepatitis B virus surface antigen), HB core total, and anti HCV (hepatitis C) antibody.

For now, you have moderate the alcohol intake and repeat liver function tests in four weeks.

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

Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Dr. Ajeet Kumar

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