[cindylouise]

Changes in ALP and ALT - what do they mean?

by cindylouise on Thu Mar 05, 2015 8:27 am

My husband had a 3-month checkup yesterday. Most things looked pretty good.

But on reviewing his labs at home, I noticed changes in these two tests. His ALT has gone up to 55, range is 0 - 41U/L. And his ALP is 135, range is 40 - 129 U/L. I don't think these are huge changes, but this is the first time he has ever tested abnormally in these areas. I know these can indicate liver issues and other things. Also, though, he has no changes in bilirubin or AST. I assume those would also show changes if we were truly seeing changes in liver function.

Does anyone have any thoughts? I'm figuring wait until his next appointment to see if it's a fluke, but wouldn't mind understanding this a little better.

Thanks for any input.

[goldmine848]

Re: Changes in ALP and ALT - what do they mean?

by goldmine848 on Thu Mar 05, 2015 6:19 pm

I have had consistently high, out of range, ALT and AST. At times as high as 90. Out of an abundance of caution, I had a consult with a liver specialist. He did order an ultrasound. Bottom line was he could not explain the results, but was not concerned unless the numbers got over 100.

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: Changes in ALP and ALT - what do they mean?

by Dr. Edward Libby on Thu Mar 05, 2015 10:01 pm

Hi CindyLouise,

These are very minor changes in your husband's liver function tests. I do not know what medicines he is on, but this can be seen with many meds, including the drugs that myeloma patients routinely take. Alcohol intake can cause elevations in liver testing, as well. As a physician I would have no concern about these slight abnormalities.

Keep an eye on them when your husband's oncologist gets the tests. If they get higher and higher, then an evaluation with a liver specialist might be in order. Oncologists generally will pay little attention to elevations in the tests you mentioned until they are at least 2-3 times the lower limit of normal.

You can rest easy!