What is the norm of ALT in the blood? We will understand in this article.
The abbreviation ALT, which stands for alanine aminotransferase, is a special endogenous enzyme. It is part of the aminotransferase subgroup and the transferase group. Intracellular synthesis of such an enzyme occurs. It enters the bloodstream in limited quantities. That is why when reflecting in the analysis an increased concentration of ALT, one can judge the presence of some deviations in the body and the development of serious pathologies.
They are often caused by the destruction of organs, leading to a sudden release of the enzyme into the blood. As a result of this, the activity of alanine aminotransferase is also enhanced. It is difficult to determine the extent of necrosis or the level of tissue damage by a disease based on such an indicator, because organ specificity is uncharacteristic for the enzyme.
The highest activity of alanine aminotransferase is observed in men in blood serum. Women have a slower course of processes in which the enzyme is involved.
ALT rates vary by age and gender.
Purpose of Using Analysis
The highest transferase content was detected 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 thoroughly. That is why it is possible to determine even minor disorders in the body with its help. 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, like alanine aminotransferase, this indicates a violation of the functioning of some organs. The most complete idea 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 it, in some cases, you can even determine the stage of the disease and suggest possible options for its development.
The norms of ALT in men, women, children will be considered below.
When is ALT analysis required?
The amount of alanine aminotransferase is determined 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. It becomes an analysis on ALT. This is provoked by the selective specialization of the tissue that the enzyme possesses.
The concentration of alanine aminotransferase in liver disorders allows you to determine them even before the occurrence of the most characteristic sign - jaundice. That is why a ALT test is most often prescribed 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. Research is also conducted if hepatitis is suspected. An ALT test is mandatory if there are signs such as weakness and 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 stool - all this can be a symptom of a 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 disease. This is done when the number of enzymes is significantly higher than normal. In medicine, the ratio of AST to ALT is called the de Ritis coefficient. The value of its norm varies - 0.91-1.75. As soon as this indicator exceeds a value of 2, a lesion of the heart muscle is diagnosed, which proceeds with the destruction of cardiomyocytes. Myocardial infarction is still possible. 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 adverse outcome.
The ALT study can be used both as a diagnostic method and in the treatment process. Thanks to him, you can establish the dynamics of the disease and determine the deterioration or improvement in the patient's condition. An ALT test is needed if there are factors that contribute to liver pathologies. These include the abuse of alcohol or substances that destroy organ cells. If the ALT norm in the blood is exceeded, then other drugs are prescribed. It is necessary to check the concentration of this substance if a person has contact with patients with hepatitis or he has recently transferred it, if the patient is overweight and diabetes.
Predisposition to liver pathologies
Some people have a predisposition to liver pathologies. In this case, ALT is also indicated.
During its use, either capillary or venous blood is used. To obtain reliable results, certain requirements must be observed. First: you can’t eat twelve hours before the analysis and do not drink alcohol in a week. Even a small amount of food can significantly affect the result. Second: for half an hour before the study you need to quit smoking, avoid physical and mental stress, do not worry. Usually the results are ready one day after the procedure.
Norm ALT in children
In children, ALT varies depending on their age:
- Up to five days in newborns: ALT should not be more than 49 U / L (up to 149 U / L AST).
- For babies up to six months, the indicators are higher: 56 units / liter.
- If the child is between one and three years old - 33 units / liter, however, the normal content of the enzyme gradually decreases in the blood.
- From three to six years, its upper boundary is 29 U / L.
- The concentration of alanine aminotransferase at 12 years should be less than 39 U / L.
Minor deviations from the established ALT norm are allowed. This is due to uneven growth. The content of the enzyme in the blood should become stable over time and close to its normal value.
Norm in adults
The enzyme in men is normal up to 45 units / liter. In women, the ALT norm is up to 34 units / liter.
However, the results of the study often turn out to be far from the norms defined in medicine. This may be due not only to the presence of inflammation 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 a specialist should be aware of the use of such tools before taking an ALT test. A similar effect in preparations based on echinacea and valerian. Unreliable research results can be triggered by excessive motor activity or intramuscular injections.
When are there abnormalities in ALT?
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 ALT by a factor of five, myocardial infarction can be determined; when the amount of 10-15 is reached, it can be said that the patient's condition worsened after the attack.
Hepatitis provokes an increase in blood ALT by 20-50 times, muscle degeneration and dermatomyositis - by eight. Acute pancreatitis and gangrene is indicated by an increase of three to five times.
The content of alanine aminotransferase can not only increase. Its content is too low due to a deficiency of vitamin B 6 , which is part of such an enzyme, or with complex processes of inflammation in the liver.
The rate of analysis of ALT changes during pregnancy.
Why does ALT increase during pregnancy?
The amount of alanine aminotransferase in women is limited to 31 units / liter. Moreover, in the first trimester of pregnancy there may be a slight excess of such a value that it is not a deviation and does not indicate the development of any pathology. The level of ALT as a whole during the bearing of the baby should be stable.
If the number of enzymes in this group is slightly different from the norm of ALT in women in the blood upward, then this is typical for gestosis. In this case, they have moderate or light severity. By gestosis is understood a complication that occurs in late pregnancy. Women have nausea, dizziness, and weakness. Blood pressure also rises. Moreover, the higher the ALT deviation, the more severe the nature of gestosis. This result is a consequence of too much load on the liver, and it may not cope with it.
Ways to lower ALT
ALT can be reduced if the cause of this phenomenon is eliminated. Since the most common increase factor is heart and liver diseases, you need to start treating them. After the appropriate procedures and the use of drugs, a biochemical blood test is done again. If the treatment is correct, then ALT should normalize.
Special tools
To lower it, special means are sometimes used, for example, Dufalac, Heptral, Hefitol. They should be prescribed by a doctor, admission is under his control. Most drugs have contraindications and should be considered before starting treatment. But such funds do not fight the main reason for increasing this value. After some time, the enzyme content may again change. Therefore, you need to see a doctor and, after diagnosis, engage in proper treatment.
We examined the ALT norm in a blood test.