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Q: AST and ALT enzymes
asked by: DoctorQuestion on May 22nd, 2008
Hi
I have had a discomfort pain under my ribs on the right side for a while now. I had blood tests taken and all were fine, except on two occasions my liver function test has gone up slightly each time. It first was 105 then the last test 8 weeks later it is now 112. My doctor said there is nothing to worry about, it is within range. He said he will repeat tests in 6 months time. What makes your liver function test rise?????? And what could be the discomfort under my right ribs? it comes in waves not a sharp pain just a discomnfort pain. My little boy is 8 months old nw at the end of 2006 I had a ultrasound on my gallbladder and liver and everything appeared normal as I had a bit of pain then too. Could anything have changed since then??? Just a bit worried especially with the increase of my liver function?? thanks


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Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on May 23rd, 2008
Womens Chat Answer A4172
You probably had slightly elevated enzymes: AST and ALT. Those enzymes are contained in every organ’s cell but especially in liver cells. When cells become damaged those enzymes are released in the blood. Thus, raised ALT and AST levels usually mean having liver damage. Liver damage and its function can be also evaluated according to certain other blood parameters like: bilirubin (direct and indirect), alkaline phosphatase, gamma-GT, albumin, various coagulation factors, etc. The liver acts as a central body’s laboratory and is involved in many metabolic processes. The liver can be damaged by various conditions: poisoning, infections, medicines, alcohol, chronic heart failure, tumors, etc. For now, you can only do serological tests to exclude infection with Hepatitis A, B, or C virus. These viruses primarily attack only the liver but there are many other infections that affect the liver besides other organs and cause enzymes AST and ALT to rise.


You can consult an internist about your problem.





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