The liver is a large vital organ that is responsible for many physiological processes. Liver disease remains a leading cause of disease related death. Exposure to alcohol, toxins, illness, infections, and genetic predisposition can lead to diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. Complications are often severe and life threatening. Liver disease may be detected by presentable symptoms or biopsy. In addition, specific laboratory values outside the normal range may indicate the presence of liver disease.
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are both enzymes that are mainly found in the liver. If liver damage is present, the enzymes are released into the bloodstream after liver cell death. Abnormally high concentrations of ALT and AST in the blood may indicate damage to the liver. Since each patient is unique, elevated liver enzyme levels should be compared to available baseline values specific to that individual.
Alkaline Phosphatase
Found in the bile ducts, alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that can become elevated when the bile ducts become blocked. Blockage occurs because liver disease interferes with the liver’s ability to maintain bile flow.
