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What Does An ALT Levels Of 18 Indicate?
Question: Hi
I've been drinking heavily for 6 years - about 5 bottles of wine per week. Last year I had lft done. My ast was 42 and alt was 18. All other tests alp ggt etc were normal. My ast alt ratio was 2:1 which I believe can indicate problems. I had an ultrasound done with the result that my liver appeared normal. I've stopped drinking now but am convinced that I have cirrhosis. I palpated for my liver and it felt what I think is normal - soft with a clearly defined edge. I went to the doctor again 2 weeks ago and again all results were normal. They didn't do ast so I can't calculate the ratio. I'm convinced I will die of cirrhosis. Should I get a biopsy done or another ultrasound. Am I worrying unnecessarily?
I've been drinking heavily for 6 years - about 5 bottles of wine per week. Last year I had lft done. My ast was 42 and alt was 18. All other tests alp ggt etc were normal. My ast alt ratio was 2:1 which I believe can indicate problems. I had an ultrasound done with the result that my liver appeared normal. I've stopped drinking now but am convinced that I have cirrhosis. I palpated for my liver and it felt what I think is normal - soft with a clearly defined edge. I went to the doctor again 2 weeks ago and again all results were normal. They didn't do ast so I can't calculate the ratio. I'm convinced I will die of cirrhosis. Should I get a biopsy done or another ultrasound. Am I worrying unnecessarily?
Brief Answer:
You are worrying unnecessarily
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read your query in detail.
The normal liver function tests are as follows
Normal blood test results for typical liver function tests include: ALT. 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L); AST. 8 to 48 U/L
The ratio holds good only when AST levels are abnormally high.
I do ultrasound everyday and see many patients who take alcohol regularly. Cirrhosis is seen only is very few cases. If you had cirrhosis then your liver ultrasound would not have been normal. Cirrhosis has a particular appearance of nodules and shrinkage which is due to liver fibrosis. It is appreciated on ultrasound.
You are having anxiety about cirrhosis. Please do not worry and try to have a healthy lifestyle.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
You are worrying unnecessarily
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read your query in detail.
The normal liver function tests are as follows
Normal blood test results for typical liver function tests include: ALT. 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L); AST. 8 to 48 U/L
The ratio holds good only when AST levels are abnormally high.
I do ultrasound everyday and see many patients who take alcohol regularly. Cirrhosis is seen only is very few cases. If you had cirrhosis then your liver ultrasound would not have been normal. Cirrhosis has a particular appearance of nodules and shrinkage which is due to liver fibrosis. It is appreciated on ultrasound.
You are having anxiety about cirrhosis. Please do not worry and try to have a healthy lifestyle.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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