Oxalacetic transaminase measurement is used to diagnose and monitor liver diseases, especially those that result in hepatocellular destruction.
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Aspirin aminotransferase (AST) or otherwise oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) is an enzyme found mainly in the heart, liver and muscles. It is released into the circulation after injury or death of cells. AST levels usually increase within 12 hours of injury and remain elevated for 5 days. Thus, this test is one of many performed when there is damage to the myocardium, such as myocardial infarction and when assessing liver damage. Other cardiac enzymes also evaluated are creatine kinase (CK) isozymes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and troponin.
SGOT is evaluated in conjunction with pyruvate transaminase (SGPT / ALT) for liver injury monitoring. The values of the two transaminases usually exist in a ratio of about 1: 1. The value of SGOT is higher than that of SGPT in alcohol-induced hepatitis, cirrhosis and metastatic liver cancer. SGPT is greater than SGOT in the case of viral or medicinal hepatitis. The degree of increase in enzyme levels provides information on the possible cause of the problem. A two-fold increase is usually indicative of obstruction while a 10-fold increase in SGOT and SGPT is usually indicative of hepatitis.
Possible Interpretations of Pathological Values
- Increase: Acute kidney disease, biliary obstruction, bone metastases, brain injury, prostate cancer, cirrhosis, eclampsia, gangrene, hemolytic disease, hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, liver cancer, myocardial infarction, pancreatitis, progressive muscle dystrophy, pulmonary infarction, Reye's syndrome, shock, severe burns, trauma. Medications: Paracetamol, allopurinol, antibiotics, ascorbic acid, chlorpropamide, cholestyramine, cholinergics, clofibrate, codeine, statins, hydralazine, isoniazid, meperidine, methyldopa, morphine, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, procainamide, pyridoxine, salicylates, sulphonamides, verapamil, Vitamin A
- Decrease: Berry-berry, diabetic ketoacidosis, dialysis, pregnancy, uremia. Medications: Metronidazole, trifluoperazine
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
