Elevated Liver Enzymes Information

Liver function tests are a group of blood tests that measure enzymes or proteins in your blood. These tests are used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage. Elevated liver enzymes may indicate damage or inflammation of cells in the liver. In many cases, liver enzymes are only mildly elevated and don't necessarily indicate a chronic condition.

• Elevated liver enzymes can indicate liver damage.

The Facts

• Higher than normal liver enzymes may be an indication of liver problems. Liver function tests may be ordered to screen for hepatitis or other types of liver disease. If you have already been diagnosed with liver disease, these tests are used to monitor disease progression and determine how well treatment is working.

Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes

• Elevated liver enzymes may be an indication of hepatitis A, B or C. Other causes of elevated liver enzymes include fatty liver disease, obesity, cirrhosis, liver cancer or pancreatitis. Some prescription medications may elevate liver enzymes, such as certain drugs used to control cholesterol. Over-the-counter medications may also affect liver enzymes, such as acetaminophen.

Types

• There are several enzymes included in a liver function test. Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in liver cells which helps your body metabolize protein. Elevated levels may indicate liver disease or damage. Aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are other enzymes found in the liver and bile ducts. High levels of these enzymes may also indicate liver disease.

What Your Results Mean

• According to the Mayo Clinic, normal test results in men are ALT levels of 7 to 55 units per liter; AST levels of 8 to 48 units per liter and ALP levels of 45 to 115 units per liter. Test results may vary slightly from one lab to another and may be slightly different for women and children. Test results can be affected by medications and food.

Considerations

• Damage to the liver usually results in a leak of ALT and AST into the bloodstream. AST is found in other organs besides the liver, including the kidneys and muscles. Therefore if you have elevated levels of AST, it doesn't necessarily mean you have liver damage. High levels of ALT almost always indicate liver problems. Liver enzymes can fluctuate from one day to another and can even fluctuate depending on what time of day the test is taken. Liver functions tests only measure inflammation of the liver at an isolated point in time. The interpretation of elevated liver enzymes depends on a complete evaluation of the patient by a doctor experienced in diagnosing liver disease.