[Elevated transaminases - what to do if everything was done?]

Praxis (Bern 1994). 2009 Mar 18;98(6):330-4. doi: 10.1024/1661-8157.98.6.330.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Transaminases, gamma-GT and alcalic phosphatase are classically termed as liver enzymes, however they can be found in almost every organ. Elevated levels of the transaminases ALAT (alanin-aminotransferase) and ASAT (aspartat-aminotransferase) are signs of disturbed permeability of the cells, in which these enzymes can be found. In contrast to ALAT, which is mainly liver-specific, the ASAT is found in other organs as well, e.g. heart and skeletal muscle. At a mild elevation of these enzymes a reevaluation is recommended, however if an elevation persists and is suspicious for a liver disease, a specific work up is necessary. In this manuscript, we discuss often overlooked problems and provide a diagnostic algorithm for the workup of elevated liver enzymes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Insufficiency / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / enzymology
  • Adult
  • Alanine Transaminase / blood*
  • Algorithms
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood*
  • Biopsy
  • Body Mass Index
  • Borrelia burgdorferi
  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis
  • Celiac Disease / enzymology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatty Liver / diagnosis
  • Fatty Liver / enzymology*
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure / enzymology
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / diagnosis
  • Hyperthyroidism / enzymology
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnosis
  • Hypothyroidism / enzymology
  • Liver / enzymology*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Lyme Disease / diagnosis
  • Lyme Disease / enzymology
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Rickettsia Infections / diagnosis
  • Rickettsia Infections / enzymology
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / enzymology*

Substances

  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase