What is the norm of ALT in the blood? Let's figure it out in this article.
The abbreviation ALT, which stands for alanine aminotransferase, is a special endogenous enzyme. It is included in the subgroup of aminotransferases and the group of transferases. This enzyme is synthesized intracellularly. It enters the blood in a limited amount. That is why, when an elevated ALT concentration is reflected in the analysis, one can judge the presence of some abnormalities in the body and the development of serious pathologies.
They are often caused by organ destruction resulting in a sudden release of an enzyme into the blood. As a result, the activity of alanine aminotransferase is also enhanced. It is difficult to determine the extent of necrosis or the level of disease tissue damage based on this indicator, since organ specificity is not typical for the enzyme.
The highest activity of alanine aminotransferase is observed in men in the blood serum. Women have a slower flowprocesses in which the enzyme is involved.
ALT limits vary by age and gender.
Purpose of using analysis
The highest content of transferase was found in the liver. Such a study is used to diagnose diseases of this organ that do not have external signs.
ALT differs from many other components that are considered in a biochemical blood test, in that it has been studied especially fully. That is why it can be used to determine even minor violations in the body. The amount of ALT in some cases is compared with the content of other blood elements. This allows you to judge the presence of diseases.
For example, an enzyme such as AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, is often used. It is also synthesized inside the cell, and penetrates into the blood in a limited amount. If the content of aspartate aminotransferase deviates from the established norm in medicine, as well as alanine aminotransferase, this indicates a violation of the functioning of some organs. The most complete picture of the characteristics of the disease can be obtained by correlating the concentration of both enzymes in the blood.
The presence of the disease and the degree of organ damage is confirmed by additional diagnostic methods. But ALT is an accurate indicator, with its help, in some cases, you can even determine the stage of the disease and suggest possible options for its development.
ALT norms for men, women, children will be discussed below.
When analysis is required forALT?
The amount of alanine aminotransferase content is established as part of a general biochemical blood test. Often only one type of examination is prescribed, if there is no need to use additional methods. They become an analysis of ALT. This is due to the selective tissue specialization that the enzyme possesses.
The concentration of alanine aminotransferase in liver disorders allows you to determine them even before the appearance of the most characteristic symptom - jaundice. That is why an ALT test is most often ordered by a specialist to check for damage to such an important organ due to the use of drugs or any other substances that are toxic to the body. The study is also carried out if there is a suspicion of hepatitis. ALT analysis is mandatory if there are signs such as weakness and increased fatigue of the patient. His appetite worsens, nausea is felt, which often turns into vomiting. Discomfort and pain in the abdomen, yellow spots on the skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, dark urine and light feces - all this can be a symptom of liver pathology. Such cases require this analysis without fail.
ALT and AST
ALT is often compared with AST to extract additional information about the causes of liver pathology. This is done when the amount of enzymes is significantly higher than normal. In medicine, the ratio of AST to ALT is called the de Ritis ratio. The value of its norm varies - 0.91-1.75. Howonly this indicator exceeds the value of 2, damage to the heart muscle is diagnosed, which proceeds with the destruction of cardiomyocytes. Another possible myocardial infarction. If the de Ritis coefficient is not higher than 1, this indicates liver disorders. Moreover, the lower this value becomes, the higher the probability of an unfavorable outcome.
ALT testing can be used both as a diagnostic method and in the course of treatment. Thanks to him, you can establish the dynamics of the course of the disease and determine the deterioration or improvement in the patient's condition. An ALT analysis is needed if there are factors that contribute to liver pathologies. These include the abuse of alcohol or substances that destroy the cells of the body. If the norm of ALT in the blood is exceeded, then other drugs are prescribed. It is imperative to check the concentration of this substance if a person has come into contact with patients with hepatitis or he himself has recently suffered it, if the patient is overweight and has diabetes.
Predisposition to liver pathologies
Some people have a predisposition to liver pathologies. In this case, a study on ALT is also indicated.
During its implementation, either capillary or venous blood is used. To obtain reliable results, certain requirements must be met. First: you can not eat twelve hours before the analysis and do not drink alcohol for a week. Even a small amount of food can significantly affect the result. Second: within half an hour before the studyyou need to give up smoking, avoid physical and moral overstrain, do not worry. Usually the results are ready in a day after the procedure.
Alt norm in children
Children's ALT varies with age:
- Under five days of age in newborns: ALT should not exceed 49 U/L (up to 149 U/L AST).
- For babies up to six months, the figures are higher: 56 U / l.
- If a child aged from one to three years - 33 U / l, however, the normal content of the enzyme gradually decreases in the blood.
- From three to six years, its upper limit is 29 U/l.
- Alanine aminotransferase concentration at 12 years of age should be less than 39 U/L.
Minor deviations from the established norm of ALT are allowed. This is due to uneven growth. The content of the enzyme in the blood should become stable over time and approach the normal value.
Norm in adults
Enzyme is normal in men is up to 45 U / l. In women, the ALT norm is up to 34 U/l.
However, the results of the study are often far from the norms defined in medicine. This may be due not only to the presence of inflammation processes in the body, but also to other factors. A high concentration of alanine aminotransferase can be caused by taking Paracetamol, Warfarin, Aspirin and oral contraceptives (for women). That is why the specialist should be aware of the use of such funds before passing the analysis for ALT. A similar effect in preparations based on echinacea andvalerian. Unreliable test results can be provoked by excessive motor activity or intramuscular injections.
When do ALT abnormalities occur?
Deviations from the norm
The content of alanine aminotransferase in the blood is increased if it is more than the established norm by tens, and sometimes even hundreds of times. The presence of the disease is determined depending on this. With an increase in the degree of ALT five times, it is possible to determine myocardial infarction, when the number reaches 10-15, we can say that the patient's condition worsened after the attack.
It provokes hepatitis, an increase in ALT in the blood by 20-50 times, muscle dystrophy and dermatomyositis - by eight. An increase of three to five times indicates acute pancreatitis and gangrene.
The content of alanine aminotransferase can not only increase. Its too low content is due to a deficiency of vitamin B6, which is part of such an enzyme, or with complex inflammation processes in the liver.
ALT rate changes during pregnancy.
Why does ALT increase during pregnancy?
Alanine aminotransferase in women is limited to 31 U/L. At the same time, in the first trimester of pregnancy, there may be a slight excess of such a value, which is not a deviation and does not indicate the development of any pathology. The level of ALT in general should be stable throughout the gestation of the baby.
If the amount of enzymes of this group is slightly different from the norm of ALT in women in the blood indirection of increase, then this is typical for gestosis. In this case, they are of medium or light severity. Preeclampsia is understood as a complication that occurs in late pregnancy. Women experience nausea, dizziness, and weakness. Blood pressure also rises. At the same time, the higher the deviation of ALT, the more severe the nature of preeclampsia. This result is a consequence of too much load on the liver, and it may not be able to cope with it.
Ways to lower ALT
ALT content can be reduced if the cause of this phenomenon is eliminated. Since the most common factor in the increase are heart and liver diseases, you need to start treating them. After carrying out the appropriate procedures and the use of drugs, a biochemical blood test is done again. If treatment is correct, ALT should return to normal.
Special Aids
For lowering, special means are sometimes used, for example, Duphalac, Heptral, Hefitol. They must be prescribed by a doctor, the reception is carried out under his supervision. Most drugs have contraindications, and they should be taken into account before starting treatment. But such funds do not fight the main reason for the increase in this value. After some time, the enzyme content may change again. Therefore, you need to see a doctor and after the diagnosis, engage in proper treatment.
We reviewed the ALT norm in the blood test.
