Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

Possible interpretation of the results

AST increases:

• The highest values ​​(10-100 times higher than normal) are found in extensive liver necrosis, viral hepatitis, toxic hepatitis and carbon tetrachloride poisoning;
• AST values ​​- 1000-9000 e / l, which decreases to 50% over the next 3 days, indicates hepatic shock with central tubular necrosis (congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, sepsis, bruising);
• Sudden increases may also occur in acute fulminant viral hepatitis (rarely> 4000 e / L);
• Rapid increase and decrease indicate extrahepatic biliary obstruction;
• A noticeable increase (more than 3000 e / l) may be observed in acute myocardial infarction, septic condition, heart failure;
• In myocardial infarction, the enzyme is released from the cells 6-12 hours after the start of the process, the degree of growth is rarely proportional to the size of the lesion; Maximum values ​​are obtained within 48 hours, after which it returns to normal within 3-5 days;
• Significantly higher values ​​are observed in cases of liver trauma, liver metastases and rhabdomyolysis;
• Lower values ​​are observed in acute viral hepatitis, chronic liver disease (chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis), mild forms of alcoholic hepatitis, but rarely exceed 300 e / l (in alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis: AST> ALT);
• An increase in AST levels in infectious mononucleosis is proportional to liver damage;
• Intake of opiates in patients with biliary tract disorders (increases 2,5-65 times).

AST decreases:

• Azotemia;
• Chronic kidney disease;
• Prolonged dialysis;
• Chronic deficiency of pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6) (malnutrition, alcohol consumption).