What Would Cause Fluctuations in AST and ALT Levels?
Question by Mali: What would cause fluctuations in AST and ALT Levels?
My Husband is in a correctional facility. He was recently informed that his Liver levels were “off” and asked if he had ever tested positive for Hepitis C. He had not so they tested him. That test came back Neg. He was told this by a phycologist who had access to his medical record. He was never called back to the Doctor for furthur treatment but, was informed by the Phycologist that his AST and ALT levels has been inconsistant for quite some time. I don’t havr the exact numbers but He was told what “normal’ is and that over the past 14 months his have not been within “normal” they have gone back and forth between Very high and Low. Like I said I don’t have exact levels but one of them was 92 the last time he was tested on Dec. 12, 2008.
My husband is 34 Years Old. 6and a half feet tall. aprox 265lbs. He Drank alcohol occasionaly for about 4 years and HEAVILY for about 6 months but, has not consumed ANY alcohol for over 2 years. He Smoked 1 pack of cigaressts a day for about 6 years but, quit smoking completely about 6 months ago. He has consumed some street drugs, rarely smoking marijuanna (about 20 times total) but, did “snort” cocaine daily for about 2 years. He occasionally took prescription opiats (vicoden, persocet) and barbiturates (xanax, klonopin) Again he has not consumed ANY drugs in at least 2 years.
I’m worried about these levels and am hopeing for some clue as to what could be wrong! He will be comming home soon and I’d like to know how Serious of a problem this may be or this may turn into so that I can try to research Doctors in our area (and insurance network(= ) to help treat whatever this may be.
ANY insight would be GREATLY appreciated
Thank you, in advance for your time
Best answer:
Answer by Bufford M
Some variation in liver functions is normal. Why someone would have transient elevation in AST/ALT is really difficult to ascertain for sure. If the liver functions are normal most of the time and only transiently abnormal, the origin will probably be very difficult to find. While no one can say that there is nothing wrong for sure without a complete work up, rare abnormalities are probably not dangerous.
Once he is out, he could get an evaluation by a gastroenterologist.
Best of luck
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