AST and ALT Test help?

Question

i have a problem regarding my blood test on AST and ALT. Last Feb 10, i had my test and my counts for AST is 106, 71 for ALT. Is there anything to do with taking Roaccutane? but i have just started it last Feb 8. will it make my result that high? took roaccutane the night before my blood test. Is there anything that i can do to make my counts stable/normal. ill be having my test again in the end of February. i have already stopped taking roaccutane.

Answer 1

AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) Synonym: SGOT (Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase).

AST enzyme is found mainly in the heart, liver and muscles. It is released into the blood stream when any of these organs are damaged. Increased levels are usually associated with liver disease or heart attacks. In the case of acute viral hepatitis, AST may rise sharply, as opposed to cirrhosis, AST may rise only moderately. An elevated ALT (see below) and AST may be an indication of liver damage such as hepatitis, liver tumors or reactions to medications.



ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) Synonym: SGPT: (Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase)

ALT enzyme is found in the liver. Damage from alcohol, strenuous exercise and a number of diseases can cause high values for both AST and ALT. Levels are elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart such as heart attack. Higher levels are often seen in hepatocellular disorders that are extra- or intra-hepatic, such as an obstruction. ALT oftentimes will be higher than AST in the case of acute inflammation of the liver. ALT has a longer half-life than that of AST, so it tends to stay elevated longer.

Answer 2

Biochemical Abnormalities Seen in about 40% of those taking Roaccutane.

Rises in alanine and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes (ALT and AST) have been reported. Liver

function tests, especially AST and blood lipids should be measured before therapy and at monthly intervals

during therapy and at the end of treatment. When transaminase levels exceed the normal levels, reduction

of the dose or discontinuation of treatment may be necessary.

Isotretinoin causes elevation of serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as a decrease in H.D.L., which

appear to be related to duration of treatment and are reversible on cessation of treatment. The degree of

elevation may also be dose dependent although this has not been conclusively established.

ROACCUTANE Product Information

5.

At doses of greater than 1 mg/kg/day, approximately one in four patients have been found to develop

elevated triglycerides while taking ROACCUTANE. At lower doses triglyceride levels elevated above the

normal range are uncommon.

Some patients have been able to reverse triglyceride elevations by weight reduction and restriction of

dietary fat and alcohol while continuing to take ROACCUTANE. Serum lipid values usually return to

normal on reduction of the dose or discontinuation of treatment.

Acute pancreatitis, which is potentially fatal, sometimes associated with serum triglycerides levels > 8g/L,

has been reported. Hence, ROACCUTANE should be discontinued if uncontrolled hypertriglyceridemia

or symptoms of pancreatitis occur.

Serum lipids (fasting value) should be determined one month prior to therapy and again after about 4

weeks of therapy and subsequently at three month intervals unless more frequent monitoring is clinically

indicated.

Predisposing factors such as a family history of lipid metabolism disorders, obesity, alcoholism, diabetes

and smoking should be assessed. In high risk patients (with diabetes, obesity, alcoholism or lipid

metabolism disorder) undergoing treatment with ROACCUTANE, more frequent checks of serum values

for lipids and/or blood glucose may be necessary.

Answer 3

ALT/AST are part of the liver panel -a chemistry test not the CBC. you will need more than just lab tests for an accurate diagnosis. alone the results mean nothing.