|
|
AST (asparate aminotransferase)
Edited by: Joe Hing Kwok Chu
AST (SGOT) is a liver enzyme that plays a role in protein metabolism, like
ALT (serum glutamic
pyruvic transaminase).
The normal range of values for AST
is from 5 to 40 units per liter of serum (the liquid part of the blood).
Elevated serum levels of AST are a
sign of liver damage from disease, like hepatitis B or C, or from
drugs.
Extreme Elevation:
-
Acute stage of severe, sudden onset of hepatitis
-
Severe liver necrosis
-
Skeletal muscle damage
-
Acute myocardial infarction (level determined by size of infarction
and by time between onset to infarct and drawing of blood sample)
Minor Elevation:
-
Chronic
hypokalemia
(CPK levels elevated
too)
-
Morphine and meperidine may cause temporary elevations
-
Warfarin or large doses of salicylate (occasionally)
-
Congestive heart failure
-
Tachyarrhythmias in the presence of shock
-
Pericarditis
-
Pulmonary infarction
-
Dissecting aneurysm
-
Cirrhosis
-
Cholangiolitic jaundice
-
Metastatic liver disease
-
Skeletal muscle disease
-
Post traumatic state:
When diseases or injuries affect
tissues of the
heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney,
pancreas, spleen, lung, red blood cells, or brain tissue,
the cells are destroyed and AST from the injured cells is released
into the bloodstream. The amount of AST is a function of the injured
cell. Serum AST levels become elevated eight hours after cell
injuries, and becomes highest during the 24-36 hour period, and
returns to normal in three to seven days. If the injury is chronic ,
AST levels will remain elevated during the injury.
-
Generalized infections (such as infectious mononucleosis)
See herb therapy to lower AST and
ALT
See Chinese herb therapy for
hepatitis B.
Note: When the values of AST (SGOT)
and ALT (SGPT) are both elevated, it denotes hepatocellular injury and it
has not much bearing on the function of the liver; although traditionally it
is called liver function test. It is more accurate to call the test as
biochemical test of the liver.
|
