Hello doctor,I am 55 years old male, height 168 cm, and weight 74 kg. I do not drink or smoke. Presently, I am not under any medications. Previously, I took medicines for suspected acid reflux symptoms for six months but stopped since one year. I used to undergo comprehensive blood tests on a yearly basis. The query is about results of lab reports taken from two different labs. I am worried about the values of SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT). Does it indicate the damage to the liver? (The level of AGST and SGPT were normal up to last year). You are requested to advise me regarding the future course of action on this query.
Hi. I note that your query is related to abnormal LFTs (blood liver function tests) SGOT (AST- aspartate transaminase) and SGPT (ALT- alanine transaminase). From the information you provided (attachment removed to protect patient identity), I understand that: There are many possible causes of transaminitis (raised ALT/AST) and identification of the underlying cause in you requires a detailed medical history and a series of blood tests. The most important usual cause of hepatitis (inflammation in the liver cells) are: 1. Viral hepatitis. 2. Drug (medication) induced, including allopathic or herbal medicines or supplements. 3. Fatty liver (NASH or Non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis). 4. Alcoholic hepatitis. 5. Auto-immune hepatitis, etc. I will recommend that you see a hepatologist or medical gastroenterologist. The initial steps to be taken are as follows: 1. Repeat blood tests for LFTs (liver function tests) in a standard laboratory. 2. Ultrasound abdomen.  If the blood tests LFTs are still abnormal, a further blood test to evaluate the cause for this will include: 1. Hepatitis A IgM to check for hepatitis A infection. 2. HBsAg, HBcAg (IgM) for hepatitis B infection. 3. HCV Antibodies to check for hepatitis C infection. 4. Liver autoantibodies (ANA anti-nuclear antibody, ASMA anti-smooth muscle antibody, AMA anti-mitochondrial antibody), etc. Based on the above results, further evaluation may be required like a liver fibroscan or a liver biopsy. 1. Viral hepatitis. 2. Drug induced hepatitis. Make a note of all the medicines you could have taken in the last few months including allopathic drugs, eg., statins (cholesterol medication), painkillers (Paracetamol, NSAIDs- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), herbal remedies or any other supplements. Discuss this with your doctor or write back to me if you have any further queries. For more information consult a medical gastroenterologist online.--->