Am Fam Physician. 2011;84(9):1003-1008
A more recent article on mildly elevated liver transaminase levels is available.
Patient information: See related handout on elevated liver enzymes, written by the authors of this article.
Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations to disclose.
Mild elevations in levels of the liver enzymes alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase are commonly discovered in asymptomatic patients in primary care. Evidence to guide the diagnostic workup is limited. If the history and physical examination do not suggest a cause, a stepwise evaluation should be initiated based on the prevalence of diseases that cause mild elevations in transaminase levels. The most common cause is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can affect up to 30 percent of the population. Other common causes include alcoholic liver disease, medication-associated liver injury, viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), and hemochromatosis. Less common causes include α1-antitrypsin deficiency, autoimmune hepatitis, and Wilson disease. Extrahepatic conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, celiac disease, hemolysis, muscle disorders) can also cause elevated liver transaminase levels. Initial testing should include a fasting lipid profile; measurement of glucose, serum iron, and ferritin; total iron-binding capacity; and hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibody testing. If test results are normal, a trial of lifestyle modification with observation or further testing for less common causes is appropriate. Additional testing may include ultrasonography; measurement of α1-antitrypsin and ceruloplasmin; serum protein electrophoresis; and antinuclear antibody, smooth muscle antibody, and liver/kidney microsomal antibody type 1 testing. Referral for further evaluation and possible liver biopsy is recommended if transaminase levels remain elevated for six months or more.
Measurement of liver enzymes is common in primary care, and has likely increased the prevalence of asymptomatic patients with mild elevations in alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found elevated liver transaminase levels in up to 8.9 percent of the survey population.1,2 Although there are several published guidelines for the workup of asymptomatic transaminase level elevations,3–5 evidence from large prospective studies is sparse. Understanding the basic disease processes that cause mildly elevated liver transaminase levels (i.e., less than five times the upper limit of normal) and the epidemiology of each disease can help guide the patient history, physical examination, and further diagnostic testing.
| Clinical recommendation | Evidence rating | References |
|---|---|---|
| A stepwise diagnostic approach should be initiated in patients with elevated liver transaminase levels if the history and physical examination do not suggest a cause. | C | 3, 5 |
| If the history and physical examination do not suggest a cause of elevated liver transaminase levels, testing should be repeated in two to four weeks. | C | 3–5, 31 |
| A fasting lipid profile and glucose level should be ordered if the metabolic syndrome or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is suspected. | C | 3–5 |
| Observation with lifestyle modification is appropriate if the initial history, physical examination, and workup do not suggest a cause of elevated liver transaminase levels. | C | 3 |
| Referral to a gastroenterologist for potential liver biopsy is reasonable in patients with persistent unexplained elevation of liver transaminase levels for six months or more. | C | 3 |
Etiologies
Hepatocellular damage releases ALT and AST into the bloodstream. ALT is found primarily in the liver; AST is also found in skeletal muscles and erythrocytes. Therefore, elevations in ALT levels generally are more specific for hepatic injury. At times, the AST/ALT ratio can suggest certain disease patterns. For instance, a ratio greater than 2 suggests alcoholic liver disease, whereas nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is usually associated with a ratio of less than 1. A ratio greater than 4 may suggest Wilson disease.6 When the AST/ALT ratio does not suggest an etiology, asymptomatic elevation of liver transaminase levels can be categorized into common hepatic, less common hepatic, and extrahepatic causes (Table 1).3–5
| Etiology | Clinical clues | Initial diagnostic testing |
|---|---|---|
| Common | ||
| Alcohol-related | Excessive alcohol consumption | Aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase ratio, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase level |
| Hemochromatosis | Family history | Serum iron and ferritin levels, total iron-binding capacity |
| Hepatitis B | Immigration from endemic countries, nonmonogamous sexual activity, injection drug use | Hepatitis B surface antigen testing |
| Hepatitis C | Injection drug use, human immunodeficiency virus infection, blood transfusion before 1992 | Hepatitis C virus antibody testing |
| Medications | Polypharmacy, certain herbal preparations | History |
| Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease | Evidence of metabolic syndrome (high triglyceride levels, low high-density lipoprotein levels, increased waist circumference, elevated glucose levels) | Fasting lipid profile, glucose level; consider ultrasonography |
| Less common | ||
| α1-antitrypsin deficiency | Early-onset emphysema, family history | Serum α1-antitrypsin level |
| Autoimmune hepatitis | Women with autoimmune disorders | Serum protein electrophoresis; antibodies to liver/kidney microsomal antibody type 1, antinuclear antibody, and smooth muscle antibody testing |
| Wilson disease | Younger than 40 years, neuropsychiatric symptoms, Kayser-Fleischer rings | Serum ceruloplasmin level |
| Extrahepatic | ||
| Celiac disease | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, malabsorption | Tissue transglutaminase antibody testing |
| Hemolysis | Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, sickle cell anemia, infection | Lactate dehydrogenase and haptoglobin levels, reticulocyte count |
| Muscular disorders | Muscle weakness and pain, strenuous exercise | Creatine kinase and aldolase levels |
| Thyroid disorders | Signs and symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism | Thyroid-stimulating hormone level |
Common Causes
NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is typically divided into two subtypes: hepatic steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Hepatic steatosis is the more common and more benign type. It generally does not progress to severe liver disease or cirrhosis. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis carries an increased risk of progression to end-stage liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the leading cause of mild transaminase elevations, and is becoming more prevalent as the obesity rate increases. It is estimated that 30 percent of U.S. adults have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and that up to 3 to 6 percent have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.7 Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease should be considered in patients who are obese or who have diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, or the metabolic syndrome.8
Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging have fair to excellent sensitivity and specificity for identifying hepatic steatosis7,9,10 (Table 210 ). Ultrasonography is the most common test for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease because of its wide availability and low cost.5,11 Imaging may assist in the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but not in the differentiation of hepatic steatosis from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. A definitive diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is made when liver biopsy demonstrates inflammation and evidence of fibrosis not typically seen in hepatic steatosis.7
| Modality | Sensitivity (%) | Specificity (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Computed tomography | 46.1 to 72.0 | 88.1 to 94.6 |
| Magnetic resonance imaging | 82.0 to 97.4 | 76.1 to 95.3 |
| Magnetic resonance spectroscopy | 72.7 to 88.5 | 92.0 to 95.7 |
| Ultrasonography | 73.3 to 90.5 | 69.6 to 85.2 |
ALCOHOL
In a study of 256 asymptomatic Swedish patients with mildly elevated liver transaminase levels, alcohol was found to be the cause in 10 percent.12 The most important way to make the diagnosis is through an accurate history. Biopsy alone cannot differentiate alcoholic liver disease from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. An AST/ALT ratio greater than 2 supports a diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease, as does an elevated γ-glutamyl transpeptidase level in the setting of an AST/ALT ratio greater than 2.
MEDICATIONS
| Acarbose (Precose) |
| Acetaminophen |
| Allopurinol (Zyloprim) |
| Amiodarone |
| Baclofen (Lioresal) |
| Bupropion (Wellbutrin) |
| Herbal preparations containing kava kava (Piper methysticum) and germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) |
| Highly active antiretroviral therapy |
| Isoniazid |
| Ketoconazole |
| Lisinopril (Zestril) |
| Losartan (Cozaar) |
| Methotrexate |
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
| Omeprazole (Prilosec) |
| Pyrazinamide |
| Rifampin |
| Risperidone (Risperdal) |
| Selective serotonin |
| reuptake inhibitors |
| Statins |
| Tetracyclines |
| Trazodone |
| Valproic acid (Depakene) |
Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is associated with life-threatening hepatotoxicity after significant overdose. However, even therapeutic dosages may cause elevated liver transaminase levels. Dosages of 4 g per day for five to 10 days have been shown to cause elevations in up to 58 percent of healthy nondrinkers.14,15 Alcohol consumption may potentiate the hepatotoxic effects, even with lower dosages of acetaminophen.16
Statins. Although statins are commonly associated with elevated liver transaminase levels, the evidence linking these drugs with significant hepatotoxicity is sparse.17,18 Additionally, increases in transaminase levels have not been proven significantly different than those in patients taking placebo.18,19 Although it is typically done, there is no evidence to support the measurement of liver transaminase before initiating statins and periodically during therapy. Elevated transaminase levels spontaneously resolve in up to 70 percent of persons taking statins, even with continued use.19 Statin therapy has been proven safe in patients with chronic liver disease20 and may reduce elevated liver transaminase levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.17,21
VIRAL HEPATITIS
An estimated 3.2 million persons in the United States have chronic hepatitis C, and up to 1.2 million have hepatitis B.22,23 Hepatitis C can cause transient elevations in liver enzymes (typically ALT), and physicians should consider testing even if repeat liver enzyme testing is normal. Testing for hepatitis C virus antibody and hepatitis B surface antigen can identify patients with chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis B, respectively.
HEMOCHROMATOSIS
Hemochromatosis, a genetic disease of iron metabolism, can cause asymptomatic elevation of liver transaminase levels as a result of iron deposition in the liver. The gene mutation that causes hemochromatosis, C282Y, is relatively common among non-Hispanic whites. However, because of its variable penetrance, the prevalence is estimated to be only three to five per 1,000 persons who manifest the disease.24 Initial testing includes serum iron and ferritin levels, and total iron-binding capacity. Transferrin saturation greater than 50 to 55 percent and a serum ferritin level greater than 200 to 250 ng per mL (449.40 to 561.75 pmol per L) should prompt further testing for hemochromatosis.24
Less Common Causes
α1ANTITRYPSIN DEFICIENCY
α1Antitrypsin deficiency is a hereditary disease that causes chronic lung and liver disease. The prevalence is approximately one per 3,000 to 5,000 persons, but only 10 percent of those with the disease are clinically identified.25 This condition can cause varying degrees of liver disease, from asymptomatic elevation of transaminase levels to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver failure. The heterozygous form, which is found in 1.5 to 3 percent of the population, may worsen chronic liver disease from other causes.26 Measurement of serum α1antitrypsin is a reasonable first step in diagnosing this condition.3–5
AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS
The prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis is 11 to 17 per 100,000 persons.27 It occurs more often in women and is commonly associated with other autoimmune disorders. Hypergammaglobulinemia is common, and the total gamma globulin or immunoglobulin G levels are generally 1.2 to 3.0 times normal.28 Serum protein electrophoresis testing has high sensitivity for autoimmune hepatitis, whereas antinuclear antibody testing has lower sensitivity and specificity.4 Other laboratory testing may include smooth muscle antibody and liver/kidney microsomal antibody type 1 testing.27
WILSON DISEASE
Wilson disease is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder related to ineffective copper metabolism. It occurs in approximately one in 30,000 persons, is more common in Eastern Europeans, and generally presents before 40 years of age.29 Kayser-Fleischer rings (i.e., copper deposition around the cornea) and neuropsychiatric symptoms are key clinical clues. Serum ceruloplasmin measurement is typically the initial test.3–5 Low levels can be confirmed with genetic testing and liver biopsy.
Extrahepatic Causes
Several extrahepatic causes of asymptomatic elevations of liver transaminase levels can be pursued based on the clinical scenario. It is not clear how thyroid disorders elevate liver transaminase levels, but measurement of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone can help rule out this potential cause. Celiac disease has also been implicated in asymptomatic liver transaminase elevations; tissue transglutaminase antibody testing can have a role in this diagnosis.5 Hemolysis and strenuous exercise also may be potential causes. Muscle disorders such as rhabdomyolysis or polymyositis are unlikely in asymptomatic patients, but measurement of creatine kinase and aldolase may be reasonable in the appropriate clinical setting.
Diagnostic Evaluation
STEP 1: HISTORY, PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, AND REPEAT TESTING
If the history and physical examination suggest a potential etiology, a targeted workup should follow. If there is any significant alcohol consumption or use of hepatotoxic medications, supplements, or vitamins, they should be discontinued, and ALT and AST testing should be repeated. The physician should also assess for evidence of the metabolic syndrome and consider obtaining a fasting lipid profile and glucose level.5 More than 30 percent of adults with initially elevated AST or ALT levels have normal levels on retesting (mean time to retesting = 17.5 days).31 Therefore, if the history and physical examination do not suggest an etiology, it is reasonable to repeat the test in two to four weeks.3–5,31 It should be cautioned, however, that hepatitis C may present with fluctuating elevated liver transaminase levels.
STEP 2: RULE OUT COMMON CAUSES
If the history and physical examination do not suggest a cause, testing for hepatitis B and C, serum iron and ferritin levels, and total iron-binding capacity should be considered.24 The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hemochromatosis were the cause of mildly elevated liver transaminase levels in 31 percent of patients.2 The rest of the patients had unexplained elevations, but there were significant associations with markers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (e.g., increased body mass index and waist circumference; elevated triglyceride and fasting insulin levels; low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels).2 In another study, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was found to be the cause of 90 percent of asymptomatic liver transaminase elevations after other causes were excluded.32 Therefore, ordering a fasting lipid profile and glucose level is recommended if not done previously.5 Ultrasonography is also reasonable, especially if the metabolic syndrome is suspected. A complete blood count with platelet count, testing of prothrombin time, and measurement of albumin may be considered if there are concerns about the synthetic function of the liver. A more expedited workup may ensue if there is evidence of decreased liver function.
STEP 3: OBSERVE WITH PERIODIC REEVALUATION OR CONSIDER LESS COMMON CAUSES
If the workup is thus far unrevealing, observation with lifestyle modification may be undertaken for up to six months.3 If liver transaminase levels remain elevated or worsen, the patient should be reevaluated and further diagnostic testing performed, if necessary. Less common diseases and extrahepatic causes should be considered as the clinical scenario dictates. Referral to a gastroenterologist is a reasonable option at this step.3
STEP 4: CONSIDER LIVER BIOPSY
If liver transaminase levels remain elevated despite treatment and lifestyle modifications for at least six months, further diagnostic testing and referral for potential liver biopsy should be considered.30
Data Sources: A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the key terms elevated, liver function tests, transaminases, and aminotransferases. The search included the diagnosis clinical study category and related articles in PubMed. Also searched were the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality evidence reports, Clinical Evidence, the Cochrane database, the National Guideline Clearinghouse, Essential Evidence Plus, and UpToDate. Search date: August 1, 2010, to October 7, 2010.
