Transaminase Levels In Patients Research Articles

Serum Aminotransferase Level in Rhabdomyolysis according to Concurrent Liver Disease.

The serum aminotransferase level is usually elevated in rhabdomyolysis, and these enzymes originate from the skeletal muscle. On the other hand, there is limited data showing whether the degree of elevation of these enzymes differs according to the concurrent liver disease. Patients with rhabdomyolysis were selected when their serum creatinine kinase level was >1,000 U/L. They were categorized as the group with and without concurrent liver disease. The AST and ALT levels in both groups were compared. In addition, the aminotransferase level was compared between those with rhabdomyolysis and those with alcoholic liver disease. Among the 165 patients with rhabdomyolysis, 19 had concurrent liver disease. The median peak AST was higher in the group with concurrent liver disease (332 U/L [interquartile range (IQR), 127-1,604] vs. 219 U/L [IQR, 115-504]). In addition, the median peak ALT was higher in the group with concurrent liver disease (107 U/L [IQR, 74-418] vs. 101 U/L [IQR, 56-218]). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in both enzymes between the two groups. The median peak AST level was significantly higher in those with rhabdomyolysis than in those with alcoholic liver disease (221 U/L [IQR, 118-553] vs. 103 U/L [IQR, 59-206]), but the median peak ALT was not significantly different (102 U/L [IQR, 58-222] vs. 51 U/L [IQR, 26-117]). Rhabdomyolysis showed an elevated AST-dominant aminotransferase level, which is not different according to concurrent liver disease. Therefore, it is recommended that rhabdomyolysis be considered first in cases of elevated aminotransferase levels in patients with a suspicious skeletal muscle injury.

Efficacy and Safety of Phytosomal Curcumin in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease characterized by excess lipid deposition in the hepatic tissue and subsequent oxidative and inflammatory damage. Curcumin is a dietary polyphenol with lipid-modifying, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of supplementation with phytosomal curcumin in subjects with NAFLD.Patients diagnosed with NAFLD (grades 1-3 according to liver ultrasonography) were randomly assigned to the curcumin (phytosomal form; 1 000 mg/day in 2 divided doses) (n=50) or placebo group (n=52) for a period of 8 weeks. All patients received dietary and lifestyle advises before the start of trial. Anthropometric measurements, hepatic enzymes, and liver ultrasonography were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of follow-up.87 subjects (n=44 and 43 in the curcumin and control group, respectively) completed the trial. Supplementation with curcumin was associated with a reduction in body mass index (-0.99±1.25 vs. - 0.15±1.31 in the curcumin and placebo groups, respectively; p=0.003) and waist circumference (-1.74±2.58 vs. -0.23±3.49 in the curcumin and placebo groups, respectively; p=0.024). Ultrasonographic findings were improved in 75.0% of subjects in the curcumin group, while the rate of improvement in the control group was 4.7% (p<0.001). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were reduced by the end of trial in the curcumin group (p<0.001) but elevated in the control group (p<0.001). Curcumin was safe and well tolerated during the course of trial.Short-term supplementation with curcumin improves liver fat and transaminase levels in patients with NAFLD.

Simple Resistance Exercise for 24 Weeks Decreases Alanine Aminotransferase Levels in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Exercise therapy is effective and recommended for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on the efficacy of hepatic fat reduction. However, the efficacies of exercise therapy are based on short-term intervention. Moreover, no reports have examined whether significant reductions in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are achieved with exercise therapy in patients with NAFLD. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of simple resistance exercise for 24 weeks in NAFLD. 59 patients with NAFLD were assigned to a resistance exercise group ( n =28) or a control group ( n =31). The resistance exercise group performed 2 exercises (push-ups and squats) 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days for a trial periods of 24 weeks. Patients in the control group proceeded with regular physical activities under a restricted diet throughout the study. The effects of exercise were compared between groups after 24 weeks. Mean ALT level, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance index and hepatic steatosis grade were all decreased in the resistance exercise group. Changes in ALT levels correlated negatively with changes in muscle:body weight ratio in the exercise group. These data demonstrate that 24 weeks of simple resistance exercise comprising squats and push-ups represents an effective treatment for NAFLD.

Liver enzymes in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common form of sleep disordered breathing. OSAS is associated with the cluster of metabolic abbreations that comprise the metabolic syndrome, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Aims and Objectives: We investigated the effects of OSAS and its treatment with short term nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Materials and Methods: We studied 20 adult males and postmenopausal female aged 50-60 years with OSAS. None had hepatitis B antigen or C antibody positive, autoimmune disease, an alcohol intake higher than 20 g/day or on regular use of hepatotoxic drugs. Abdominal ultrasound was done to establish the presence of fatty liver. Serum levels of AST and ALT were determined at baseline and after nasal CPAP treatment. Results: The baseline ALT and AST values were within normal limits. There was no significant change in ALT (25.9 ± 4.7 vs. 26.2 ± 3.4 after CPAP, P > 0.05) and AST (27.5 ± 2.0 vs. 24.6 ± 1.8, P > 0.05) values after one night of CPAP treatment. Conclusion: Serum aminotransferase may have limited use in assessing liver damage in the OSAS patients. Short term CPAP therapy doesn’t seem have beneficial effects on serum aminotransferase levels in patients of OSAS.

The effect of Ringer’s acetate versus Ringer’s lactate on aminotransferase changes in dengue hemorrhagic fever

Background Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) infection causeshepatocelullar impairment. In management of DHF, World HealthOrganization (WHO) recommends the crystalloids Ringer’s acetate(RA) or Ringer’s lactate (RL), which are similar in composition toplasma. Acetate in RA is not metabolized in the liver, hence notburdening the liver, whereas lactate in RL is metabolized mostly inthe liver, thus placing a burden on the liver.Objective To compare aminotransferase changes as markers ofhepatocellular impairment subsequent to the use of RA and RL inthe management of DHF with and without shock.Methods This study was a double-blind randomized controlledtrial on DHF patients aged 1-18 years in Cipto MangunkusumoHospital who had not received prior treatment with crystalloids orcolloids. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either RA orRL intravenously. Aminotransferase levels were examined on thefirst, second and third weeks from the onset of fever.Results Ninety-two patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria wereenrolled in this study, consisting of those without and with shock.Mean transaminase levels of patients without shock in the RA andRL groups did not differ significantly. Mean transaminase levels ofpatients with shock in the RA group were lower than those in theRL group, but this difference was not significant statistically. Meanalteration of transaminase levels in patients with and without shockwere not significantly different.Conclusion In DHF without shock, there is no significant differ-ence between aminotransferase level changes of patients receiv-ing RA and RL solutions. In DHF with shock, aminotransferaselevels of patients receiving RA tend to be lower than those receiv-ing RL, but this difference is insignificant

The Effect of General Anesthesia on Aminotransferase Levels in Patients With Elevated Aminotransferase Levels

(Abstracted from Anesth Analg, 121:1529–1533, 2015) Surgical procedures can be postponed or cancelled when serum aminotransferase levels, a common surrogate marker of liver injury, are elevated without clear cause. In patients with preoperatively elevated levels, the effect of volatile anesthetics on serum aminotransferase levels is also unknown.

Effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on aminotransferase levels in patients with hyperlipidemia

Effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on aminotransferase levels in patients with hyperlipidemia

Elevated serum interleukin-38 level at baseline predicts virological response in telbivudine-treated patients with chronic hepatitis B.

To investigate serum interleukin (IL)-38 level and its clinical role in predicting virological response (VR) to telbivudine (LdT) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The study participants were divided into two groups; one group consisted of 43 healthy controls (HCs) and the other group consisted of 46 patients with hepatitis B e antigen-positive CHB. All patients were administered 600 mg of oral LdT daily for 52 wk, and they visited physicians every 12 wk for physical examination and laboratory tests. Serum IL-38 levels were determined using ELISA. The concentrations of serum Th1- and Th2-type cytokines were measured using the cytometric bead array (CBA) method. Serum levels of IL-38 at baseline in all patients were higher than those in HCs [306.97 (123.26-492.79) pg/mL vs 184.50 (135.56-292.16) pg/mL, P = 0.019]; the levels returned to normal after the first 12 wk of treatment with LdT [175.51 (103.90-331.91) pg/mL vs 184.50 (135.56-292.16) pg/mL, P > 0.05]. Serum IL-38 levels at baseline were positively associated with serum aspartate aminotransferase levels in patients with CHB (r = 0.311, P = 0.036). Higher levels of serum IL-38 at baseline were associated with a greater probability of VR to LdT treatment at 24 wk (48.15% vs 15.79%, P = 0.023) and 52 wk (66.67% vs 36.84%, P = 0.044). The levels of serum IL-38 in patients with primary non-response at week 12 after treatment initiation were lower than those in patients with primary response [64.44 (49.85-172.08) pg/mL vs 190.54 (121.35-355.28) pg/mL, P = 0.036]. Serum IL-38 levels were correlated with serum IL-6 and IL-12 levels in patients with CHB during treatment with LdT. Elevated serum IL-38 levels in untreated CHB patients reflect ongoing liver injury. Higher serum IL-38 levels before treatment indicate a greater probability of VR to LdT treatment.

FRI-300 - Endoscopic Duodenal Mucosal Resurfacing (DMR) Improves Metabolic Measures including Hepatic Transaminase Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): Data from a First-in-Human Study

FRI-300 - Endoscopic Duodenal Mucosal Resurfacing (DMR) Improves Metabolic Measures including Hepatic Transaminase Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): Data from a First-in-Human Study

Outcome of phlebotomy for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/Aims:No medications have been approved for managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lifestyle intervention is the mainstay for its treatment. Hyperferritinemia, which appears to be associated with the severity of liver injury and insulin resistance, is frequently observed in patients with NAFLD.Patients and Methods:We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the outcomes of four interventional trials regarding the effect of phlebotomy in patients with NAFLD versus the outcomes of NAFLD patients who did not undergo phlebotomy. Primary outcome was the pooled mean difference (MD) of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The secondary outcomes were the changes in liver enzymes and the lipid profile.Results:Four interventional studies involving 438 participants were included in the meta-analysis. HOMA-IR was lower in patients who underwent phlebotomy, with an MD of 0.84 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 1.67, I2 = 72%]. Phlebotomy also significantly reduced the alanine aminotransferase (MD = 10.05, 95% CI 7.19–12.92, I2 = 34%) and triglyceride (MD = 9.89, 95% CI 4.96–14.83, I2 = 22%) levels and increased the high-density cholesterol level (MD = 3.48, 95% CI 2.03–4.92, I2 = 18%).Conclusion:Phlebotomy decreased insulin resistance and liver transaminase levels in patients with NAFLD. In addition, it improved their lipid profile.

The Effect of General Anesthesia on Aminotransferase Levels in Patients with Elevated Aminotransferase Levels: A Single-Center 5-Year Retrospective Study.

The effect of commonly used anesthetics on postoperative aminotransferase levels in patients with preoperatively elevated values is unclear. The medical records of 25,567 adult patients undergoing elective general anesthesia were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into normal (≤ 40 IU/L), mild (41-119 IU/L), moderate (120-199 IU/L), and marked elevation (200+ IU/L) groups according to their preoperative alanine aminotransferase levels. Changes in these levels before and after general anesthesia were compared according to the anesthetics used. Among the patients with preoperative mild or moderate elevation, 97.8% (2589/2647) did not show a higher alanine aminotransferase level after surgery. Compared with total IV anesthesia (TIVA), sevoflurane showed adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.27 (1.10-1.46) for mild, 1.33 (0.86-2.05) for moderate, and 3.35 (1.58-7.04) for marked postoperatively elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase versus normal levels. Similarly, compared with TIVA, desflurane showed adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.21 (0.96-1.53) for mild, 1.44 (0.70-2.94) for moderate, and 3.18 (1.14-8.89) for marked postoperatively elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase versus normal levels (P = 0.05). In most cases, postoperative alanine aminotransferase levels did not worsen even in patients with preoperatively elevated levels. Sevoflurane was associated with increased odds for postoperative elevation of these levels after general surgery compared with TIVA.

Relationship between adiponectin and anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance and transaminase levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Significance of Alanine Aminotransferase Levels in Patients Admitted for Cocaine Intoxication

Experimental studies in animal models and case reports in humans have described the hepatotoxic potential of cocaine. However, there are few data regarding the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients admitted for cocaine intoxication, particularly regarding the status of the liver enzymes. To investigate the significance of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in individuals hospitalized for acute cocaine intoxication. Retrospective study with standardized chart review that included patients admitted between January 2003 and December 2010. Bivariate analyses were used to investigate factors associated with ALT above the upper tertile according to gender. Cases of marked ALT elevation were described in detail. Ninety-three patients were included (79% men, mean age of 27.73±9.97 y). ALT above the upper tertile was associated with higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine phosphokinase, creatinine, and international normalized ratio. Higher levels of ALT were also related to acute renal failure and death. Five subjects had severe ALT elevation during follow-up and all had evidence of hepatocellular dysfunction (jaundice, prolonged prothrombin time with or without hepatic encephalopathy), rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure. AST/ALT ratio <2 was present in 2 subjects with severe ALT elevation at admission, but AST/ALT ratio >2 was observed in 3 cases with evidence of progression to acute liver injury. In acute cocaine intoxication, higher ALT levels were associated with evidence of muscle damage, progression to acute renal failure, and death. Severe liver damage was observed in 5% of the sample and was associated with rhabdomyolysis and renal failure in all cases.

A Comparison of the Sensitivity and Specificity of Ultrasound Elastography Compared to Liver Ultrasound, ALT, and AST in the Detection of Fatty Liver and Fibrosis in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective. This study aims to determine whether ultrasound elastography (fibroscan) is more sensitive and specific in detecting fatty liver and fibrosis as compared to ultrasound and elevated serum aminotransferase levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Methodology. All elastography results from January to December, 2013 were reviewed. A total of 102 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of elastograph, ultrasound, ALT and AST were computed, with fibrosis score as the surrogate gold standard. Results. Elastography was found to be more sensitive compared to ultrasound for patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome who have high and moderate probability of fibrosis (100% vs 82.5%, p-value = 0.0036 and 96% vs 76.4%, p-value = 0.0036, respectively). The elastograph is also more specific compared to ultrasound (86.49% vs 32.43%, p-value = 0.0000) for detecting fatty liver and fibrosis. Only elastography was found to be significantly associated with the surrogate gold standard used in this study. Conclusion. Elastograph (fibroscan) is more sensitive and specific than ultrasound in detecting fatty liver in the presence of severe and moderate probability for fibrosis. Ultrasound, ALT and AST showed no correlation with fibrosis score.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on aminotransferase levels in patients with NAFLD, NASH, and CHC: Results from a meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe antioxidant vitamin E has been extensively employed to treat chronic liver diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin E supplementation in lowering alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and chronic hepatitis C (CHC). MethodsWe searched all publications in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 2013. In total, eight articles met the eligibility criteria, among which, two studies about NAFLD, four studies about NASH, and three studies about CHC, were identified and included in the meta-analysis. ResultsAccording to standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval, 12.19 (−4.08 to 28.46) for ALT and 6.84 (−3.18 to 16.86) for AST in patients with NAFLD, 4.54 (1.62–7.46) for ALT and 3.55 (1.39–5.71) for AST in patients with NASH, and 0.61 (0.20–1.02) for ALT and 0.68 (0.07–1.29) for AST in patients with CHC, vitamin E supplementation could optimize ALT and AST levels in patients with NASH and CHC, although it was not statistically significantly associated with reduced ALT and AST levels in patients with NAFLD. ConclusionTo summarize, the evidence currently available supported the theory that vitamin E supplementation can optimize aminotransferase levels for patients with NAFLD, NASH, and CHC, and more well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are encouraged to examine the therapeutic effect of vitamin E for these disorders.

Telbivudine plus adefovir therapy for chronic hepatitis B patients with virological breakthrough or genotypic resistance to telbivudine

There is very limited experience in the management of telbivudine (LdT)-associated virological breakthrough (VBT) and resistance in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and the guideline recommendations are primitively based on the general principles of rescue therapy to nucleos(t)ide analog resistance. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the addition of adefovir (ADV) in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB patients with VBT or resistance to LdT. Thirty-seven CHB patients with confirmed VBT and 31 patients with genotypic resistance to LdT were enrolled and thereafter treated with a combination of LdT and ADV for 12 months. Combination therapy was safe and the majority of patients tolerated the therapy. LdT+ADV led to rapid decreases in viral loads, and viral replications were persistently suppressed, with 2.17 (VBT) and 2.31 (resistance) log(10) copies/ml reductions 12 months after rescue therapy, respectively. The rates corresponding to virological and biochemical responses were similar between the two groups at the end of observations (70.3 vs. 74.2% for virological response, P=0.720; 64.0 vs. 65.5% for biochemical response, P=0.907). The cumulative rates of serological responses were higher in patients with VBT than in those with resistance (35.1 vs. 9.67% for HBeAg loss, P=0.014; 10.8 vs. 3.23% for HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion, P=0.233). LdT and ADV combination therapy led to significant decreases in serum hepatitis B virus DNA levels and normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels in patients with VBT or genotypic resistance to LdT. This rescue strategy was also associated with a higher rate of HBeAg serological outcomes in patients with confirmed LdT-related VBT.

Vitamin E and changes in serum alanine aminotransferase levels in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common cause of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations and chronic liver disease, but it is unclear how well ALT elevations reflect the liver injury. To assess how well changes in ALT elevations reflect improvements in liver histology in response to vitamin E therapy. The vitamin E and placebo arms of the Pioglitazone vs. Vitamin E vs. Placebo in Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (PIVENS) trial were reassessed for associations among changes in ALT levels, body weight and liver histology. An ALT response was defined as a decrease to ≤40 U/L and by ≥30% of baseline. Liver biopsies taken before and after treatment were scored for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity (NAS) and fibrosis. ALT responses were more frequent among vitamin E (48%) than placebo (16%) recipients (P < 0.001). Among vitamin E recipients, ALT responses were associated with decreases in NAS (P < 0.001), but not fibrosis scores (P = 0.34), whereas among placebo recipients, ALT responses were associated with significant decreases in both (P < 0.05). Weight loss (≥2 kg) was also associated with ALT response (P < 0.001), improvements in NAS (P < 0.001) and fibrosis (P < 0.02), but vitamin E had an added effect both with and without weight loss. Weight gain (≥2 kg) was associated with lack of ALT response and worsening NAS and fibrosis scores in patients not on vitamin E. Decrease of ALT levels to normal in patients with NASH is usually associated with improved histological activity. Management should stress the value of weight loss and strongly discourage weight gain. Vitamin E can improve both ALT levels and histology with and without weight loss. NCT00063622.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor-induced hepatic injury in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: two case reports and an analysis of the laboratory data from the Slovenian national biologicals registry

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are widely used in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondylarthritides. However, TNF-α inhibition may lead to adverse events, including liver injury. The RA patients are frequently treated with several potentially hepatotoxic drugs concomitantly; hence, a causative link between TNF-α inhibitors and liver injury is usually difficult to establish. We report two cases of RA patients who developed histologically manifest liver injury shortly after the introduction of treatment with two different TNF-α inhibitors. Furthermore, we present the analysis of the laboratory data from the BioRx.si registry (the Slovenian national registry of rheumatologic patients treated with biologicals) and provide evidence that elevated levels of serum aminotransferase can be observed in patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors. Additionally, our analysis suggests no significant differences between the impact of adalimumab and etanercept on aminotransferase levels. Although the use of TNF-alpha inhibitors is safe and efficient, we suggest that continuous careful monitoring of aminotransferase levels in patients treated with these agents is probably warranted.

Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on Glycemia and Transaminase Levels in Patients Living with HIV/AIDS in Limbe, Cameroon

This study aimed to determine the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on glycemia and transaminase levels in HIV-infected patients in Limbe, Cameroon. A total of 200 ART-experienced patients and 30 ART-naive HIV-infected controls were recruited after submitting signed informed consent forms. The blood samples collected were screened for hepatitis B and C, and liver transaminases and random blood sugar (RBS) levels were determined spectrophotometrically. No significant correlation existed between the RBS and transaminase levels with either the duration of ART or the duration since HIV diagnosis. Although both groups of patients appeared to have similar transaminase and RBS levels, after controlling for confounders, patients on ART had significantly higher aspartate aminotransferase levels, significantly lower alanine aminotransferase levels, and slightly (but not significantly) lower glycemia levels (respective mean differences of 14.92 IU/L, P = .00; 11.95 IU/L, P = .00; and 7.60 mg/dL, P = .19). These changes need to be considered in monitoring patients on ART in this setting and other similar settings.

Management of Hepatitis C in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease represents a global health problem. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is prevalent in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD) and in renal transplant recipients with significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, HCV can cause various forms of glomerulopathy with the predominant type being cryglobulinemia associated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Liver enzymes are traditionally used as markers of liver injury; however, there is wide variation in aminotransferase levels in patients with ESRD. Therefore, diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in patients with ESRD is based on HCV antibody testing and further confirmation with polymerase chain reaction testing. Current standard therapy for CHC is composed of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. However, this combination is challenging in patients with ESRD due to its tolerability. We describe in this review relevant issues in epidemiology, diagnosis and management of CHC in ESRD, HD and renal transplant recipients.