Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: S ALT & S GGT Results

Question
Hi Doctor ;

I recently had a liver function blood test and my results shows S ALT 71U/L (Normal range is 5-40) and S GGT 52 U/L (normal 5-50);
PS: I do have fatty liver

Could you please interprets this result please? Is this results shows something serious? Thank you

Thank you

Answer
Jay,

You have at least two elevated liver transaminase enzymes (or liver biomarkers).  This would indicate an injury to the hepatocytes or liver cells.  Could be due to medications (statins for example, or alcohol (ethanol) in a case of excessive drinking).  There are other reasons hepatic cells are injured for example an infection with a virus (as in hepatitis or infectious mono).  Cannot diagnose "Fatty Liver Dz" just yet.  You need further testing and a follow up with a GP or Gastroenterologist (Liver specialist/hepatologist) for other studies.  FLD may best be diagnosed by US or CT Scan to "look at the liver and check for fatty infiltrate".  Make sure they check you for Iron levels and rule out hemochromatosis.  There are ways once diagnosed with a liver problem to protect it by the use of Milk Thistle extracts and anti-oxidants (NAC and others).  But a diagnosis to confirm the exact cause of the elevated liver function tests is a must do first.

Best,

JP Saleeby, MD