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