Do ALT/AST levels tell the whole story? - Liver & Pancreas Disorders Message Board

Marirose · 11-05-2006, 01:45 PM

Hi everyone - I hope someone here can help me. One of my brothers recently died in an alcohol induced coma after years and years of heavy drinking. His death prompted my youngest brother to get a liver panel done b/c he has been a moderate drinker for the last 20 years. The doctor just called him and told him that his ALT/AST levels are normal and he has nothing to worry about. My question is, if these levels are normal, does that mean your liver is fine? I just can't imagine that 20 years of moderate drinking would do absolutely nothing to your liver, but maybe I am just too worried. Does anyone understand any more about what these results mean? Thanks for your replies, Marirose

danielm · 11-05-2006, 02:21 PM

The AST and ALT levels are liver indicators. When your liver is struggling, it releases these enzymes into your blood stream and that's what is picked up in your blood tests. If his AST/ALTs are normal, then usually you don't have anything to worry about.

That said, he can get a 2nd opinion if he wants.

Marirose · 11-05-2006, 02:25 PM

Hi Daniel - Thanks for your helpful reply. Best wishes, M

tsohl · 11-08-2006, 09:07 AM

Hi Marirose,

The liver is one of those miraculous organs that has the ability to regenerate itself. You can even cut part of it off and it can regrow. It can withstand processing "poisons" (alcohol among them) as long as it is not overwhelmed and given more to process than it can handle. The tests are an indicator of the state of the liver...how well it is functioning in its ability to process and screen out the toxins. If they could examine your brother's liver, it probably would not look as good as the liver of someone who did not drink at all. However, for practical purposes, it is functioning the way it is supposed to.
The key is to not drink any more than a "moderate" amount!

Also, just for your information....it is possible for someone who has had elevated levels have them return to normal with the cessation of drinking any alcohol. Hope this helps a little bit.

Marirose · 11-08-2006, 02:44 PM

Thanks so much for your helpful reply. I am just so worried - my dad has Hep C and has had a liver transplant, but is not doing well and I can not even explain the horror of my brother's death from alcohol - I just want to keep the rest of my family alive, so it is extremely helpful to hear someone say "yes,it's ok" - agreeing with the doc. Gotta run- baby is crying! Thanks again, m