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What is ALAT? What does this indicator mean? How to interpret his majesty? What are the norms for this indicator? What might an elevated ALAT result indicate? The question is answered by the drug. Anna Mitschke.
What does an elevated ALAT result indicate?
Hello. I am a 54 year old man. For some time now, I have experienced severe pains in the abdominal cavity. For a while I downplayed them, but eventually my wife persuaded me to see a doctor. He examined me and referred me for research. I do not know what they consisted of, but the results turned out to be a lot for me elevated ALAT score. Of course, I have an appointment to see the doctor again, but I have to wait a little longer and my wife is very worried.
Therefore, I would like to know what it shows elevated ALAT? Could this result indicate any complaints related to my previous pains? Does this mean I have an illness and should I prepare for long-term treatment, or is it nothing to be disturbing about this result? After the examinations, the thought occurred to me that maybe I delayed the visit to the doctor for too long, but apart from abdominal pain, I was fine, and I didn’t think a visit to the doctor was advisable. I will be grateful for information as evidenced by the increased ALAT and what is wrong with me. Thank you.
The doctor explains, as indicated by elevated ALT
ALAT, or alanine aminotransferase, is an enzyme found in the body’s cells. ALAT level test together with AST – aspartate aminotransferase is usually performed to assess liver function. Their normal concentration in the blood is within the range of 5–40 U / l.
Increasing the concentration of ALT it is more characteristic than AST of liver disease. AST is found in large amounts in cells other than the liver. These are the cells of the heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, brain, erythrocytes (blood cells). Therefore, an increase in AST is often noticeable with damage to these organs.
What is important in diagnostics is not only the increase in the level of transaminases, but also whether it is a moderate, high or very high increase in the activity of liver enzymes. We are talking about a moderate increase when the values are increased by no more than 5 times. 5-15 times is a large increase in their activity, and very high if their level is> 15 times higher. Additionally, knowing concentration of ALAT and AST you can calculate the so-called de Ritis index. It describes the ratio of the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT).
Testing the level of transaminases it is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of the course of many disease states. They are, among others acute viral hepatitis, chronic viral and autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver disease, some metabolic diseases such as Wilson’s disease, haemochromatosis.
Elevated ALT levels are not specific to any particular disease. Increased levels of transaminases are observed in many disease states. It is imperative to get acquainted with the complete medical history and examine the patient. The presented symptoms will determine the need for further diagnosis. Therefore, please consult your doctor about the results. After reviewing the full clinical picture, the doctor will decide to perform the necessary tests and possibly refer you to a specialist.
— Lek. Anna Mitchke
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