What does high ALT indicate?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am looking to get a second opinion on my son’s bloodwork to see if any flu tests are recommended or if there is any concern at all. He is a 16-year-old, healthy male who works out regularly and eats relatively healthy. The only known medical problem is being lactose intolerant. I want another opinion on his bloodwork, with some things being out of range consistently and odd for his age. Looking to see if there are any other tests recommended or concerns to rule out.

I have bloodwork done for my son last and this year. The values are CMP-out of range 7. AST-47 (range 12-32), AST-18 (range 0 to 40), AST- 72. ALT normal. CBC-out of range. RBC-6.12 (range 4.1 to 5.7), 6.1 (4.10 to 5.70). Hemoglobin-17.0 (range 12 to 16.9),17.1 (range 12 to 16.9). MPV-12.2 normal,12.7 (range 7.5 to 12.5). From what I have read, high AST has more to do with the heart or pancreas or kidney or destruction of RBC and liver-related. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

In the mentioned history, the noted finding is mild raised hemoglobin, mildly raised RBC, slightly elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT).The mentioned reports do not suggest any specific diagnosis.

Hemoglobin and RBC (red blood cells) raised temporarily might be due to dehydration or excess non-veg diet. He should drink more water than three-liter in a day if he works out.

If AST is raised more than twofold, that is more than 84 U/L. Only then does it have clinical significance.

Here AST value is mildly increased and not more than 84 U/L, so it does not seem to be raised due to kidney, muscle, or any heart damage.

Liver damage is not present because ALT (alanine transaminase) is completely normal.

I suggest you advise him to drink lots of water and repeat AST after a few days.

I suggest you consult a nearby physician for a physical examination to ensure that nothing is abnormal. A further test is suggested only after physical examination if needed.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.