Elevated AST Levels?

Question

Went to the doctor 5 years ago for a physical and I had a high AST level- 101. The Dr. said it was bc of my mono and dismissed it. Recently I went back for another physical and my AST was still elevated (no more mono tho). I am 21, do not drink, and am healthy otherwise, no probs. I have had numerous blood tests, MRI'S, and ultra sounds. I also went to see a hemotologist (blood specialist). Everytime I get a blood test my AST is between 50 and 150. My bilirubin has been elevated before-but it is not always elevated and nothing else is elevated. My doctors do not seemed concerned-the hemotologist diagnosed me with Gilbert's syndrome, but I think that it is/may be something else. I dont believe that has anything to do with AST does it? Please help-I am a worry wort! It kind of bothers me my doctors just dismissed this issue.

Answer 1

You should probably see a gastroenterologist or hepatologist. They are liver specialists. Best wishes.

Answer 2

SGOT/AST is commonly measured clinically as a part of a diagnostic liver function test, to determine liver health.
It is raised in acute liver damage. It is also present in red blood cells and cardiac muscle.
AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) are sensitive indicators of liver damage from different types of disease. But it must be emphasized that higher-than-normal levels of these liver enzymes should not be automatically equated with liver disease. They may mean liver problems or they may not. The interpretation of elevated AST and ALT levels depends upon the whole clinical picture and so it is best done by doctors experienced in evaluating liver disease.

Gilbert's syndrome is the most common hereditary cause of increased bilirubin, and is found in up to 5% of the population. The main symptom is otherwise harmless jaundice which does not require treatment, caused by elevated levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the bloodstream (hyperbilirubinemia).

While this syndrome is considered harmless, it is clinically important because it may be confused with much more dangerous liver conditions. However, these will show other indicators of liver dysfunction. Hemolysis can be excluded by a full blood count, haptoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Liver biopsy is rarely necessary. The onset of GS is often in childhood or early adulthood.

Answer 3

everyone has mention gilberts, however, you could have hepatitis c-in which case will affect your ast level enzyme markers....one month they can be fine, the next not.

hcv is spread by sharing anything considered household exsposure items, ie, toothbrushes, razors or even sharing jewelry-IF there may be a persons blood on it that somehow entered your blood stream.

other ways of transmission that are more common are, peircings of anykind, tatoos, sharing of needles, straws or dollar bills used to snort or inject drugs. any proceedure before 1995. you could even carry the virus from birth if your mother had hcv.

in the case of hepatitis b infection, chances are you've had all the shots required, but if infected with hcv, sometimes those who have hcv do not develope antibodies against the hbv vaccine.

what bothers me is that hcv does not discriminate against age, race or lifestyle. many doctors may dismiss the very test because a person is so young-so test for hcv antibodies.

i would seek the advice of a gastrointerologist. good luck to you!

Answer 4

ALT is found primarily in the liver. So elevated levels could be indicative of liver damage such as hepatitis.The liver processes a lot of stuff so alcohol use and certain medications can cause liver damage too. However, ALT is also found in the heart and in muscle. Gilbert's syndrome definately explains the bilirubin. Read the link below.

Answer 5

Gilbert's only affects bilirubin. AST is a marker of liver injury. maybe a unusually small hepatic artery or some viral related damage. stay away from tylenol, it'll kill you. Go to a Hepatologist next.

Answer 6

Go in to Autozone and tell the man behind the counter that you want a free diagnostic. They will check your fluid levels for free and will recommend what actions you should take.