Chronically elevated levels of liver enzymes

Czech version

Authors: M. Janičko; E. Veseliny; P. Jarčuška
Authors‘ workplace: I. interná klinika LF UPJŠ a UN L. Pasteura Košice, Slovenská republika
Published in: Gastroent Hepatol 2016; 70(2): 110-117
Category: Hepatology: Review article
doi: https://doi.org/10.14735/amgh2016110

Overview

The evaluation of increased plasmatic aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase activities is fundamental to a differential diagnosis of liver disease. The correct interpretation of the results of tests for these activities demands much experience. The best option is to use the standardized guidelines to avoid overlooking important pathologies and performing unnecessary tests. Individual patients should be evaluated depending on the urgency of the situation, the timing of the elevation in liver enzymes, and other circumstances. This paper presents a simple recommendation about how to proceed when evaluating elevated liver enzyme levels with respect to evidence-based medicine.

Key words:
aspartate aminotransferase – alanine aminotransferase – γ-glutamyl transferase – alkaline phosphatase – liver diseases – liver tests

The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE „uniform requirements“ for biomedical papers.

Submitted:
23. 2. 2016

Accepted:
14. 3. 2016

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