The ALT and AST are enzymes that are located in liver cells and leak out and make their way into the general circulation when liver cells are injured. The ALT is thought to be a more specific indicator of liver inflammation, since the AST may be elevated in diseases of other organs such as the heart or muscle. In acute liver injury, such as acute viral hepatitis, the ALT and AST may be elevated to the high 100s or over 1,000 U/L. In chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, the elevation of these enzymes may be minimal (less than 2-3 times normal) or moderate (100-300 U/L). Mild or moderate elevations of ALT or AST are nonspecific and may be caused by a wide range of liver diseases. ALT and AST are often used to monitor the course of chronic hepatitis and the response to treatments, such as prednisone and interferon.

Again, go back and find out what specific test and for which enzyme, your doctor is talking about. Don't be afraid to ask him questions. For one thing, you want to know not just the normal range, but also what range classifies as acute, moderate, or severe liver disease.

Also, I think you need to should continue to monitor your liver and check back with your doctor regularly.

In the meantime, I would say that the slightly elevated levels you posted are to be expected while using steroids (especially orals -- I think this is what mike arci means by a 17 drugs) and might last for several months after coming off.

RC

RANGE TEST NAME

---------CHEMISTRY PANEL---------------

3.5-5.3 MMOL/ POTASSIUM 5.4H
0-42 IU/L AST (SGOT) 71 H
4-40 IU/L ALT (SGPT) 66 H

***THYROID STUDIES***
---------------------------------------------

RANGE TEST NAME RESULTS

.40-5.00 uIU/mL TSH-ULTRA SENS .86f
4.5-12.5 ug/dL T4 5.8

FOOT NOTES
H=High, f=Footnote

TSH-ULTRA SENS REFERENCE RANGE: HYPERTHYROID <0.40 uIU/mL

HYPOTHYROID