II. Definition

  1. Serum transaminase marker of hepatocyte injury
  2. Less specific than ALT (present outside liver)

III. Normal

  1. Level: <35 U/L

IV. Increased

  1. See Liver Function Test Abnormality
  2. Sensitive marker for hepatocellular marker
    1. Same causes as Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
  3. AST is less specific then ALT (present outside liver)
    1. Heart, lung, Kidney, brain, Pancreas, Muscle
    2. White Blood Cells and Red Blood Cells
  4. Liver disease causes of increased AST
    1. See Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
  5. Non-liver disease causes of increased AST
    1. Myocardial Infarction
    2. Myocarditis
    3. Renal Infarction
    4. Pulmonary Infarction
    5. Severe muscle Trauma
    6. Dermatomyositis
    7. Polymyositis
    8. Malignancy
    9. Seizure Disorder
    10. Hyperthyroidism
    11. Celiac Sprue
    12. Hemolysis
  6. Conditions with ratio of AST to ALT > 2
    1. Alcoholism
    2. Wilson's Disease (ratio may exceed 4)

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