Elevated Liver Enzymes: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B

SGOT 131, SGPT 207

Hello, I would like to ask a question.
I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular check-ups every six months to a year.
Aside from experiencing stress and fatigue, my lifestyle and dietary habits are normal.
In mid-November last year, I went for a health check-up, and the results showed SGOT 131, SGPT 207, and a positive antigen level of 913.5.
In mid-December, during a company health examination, the result was SGPT 156, which seems to have decreased somewhat, but I still consulted a hospital and took liver protection medication for two months.
At the end of February this year, the follow-up result was SGPT 209, which has increased instead of decreased.
The doctor suggested continuing the liver protection medication for another three months before returning for another check-up.
I would like to know if this level of enzyme elevation poses a high risk.
Is the liver protection medication really effective? Besides medication, are there other ways to manage this condition? Thank you for your response.

Hoo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/03/08

Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello! Currently, a high index does not pose a risk, but it is still important to be cautious.
I'm not sure if your doctor has any further recommendations.
Have you considered treatment with interferon or peginterferon? Have you tested for HBV DNA? Hepatoprotective medications may not be very helpful in your current situation, as these drugs are not specifically for treating hepatitis B.

Reply Date: 2006/03/08

More Info

Elevated liver enzymes, particularly in the context of chronic Hepatitis B infection, can be a significant concern. Your situation, with SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) levels showing fluctuations, indicates ongoing liver inflammation or damage, which is common in individuals with chronic Hepatitis B.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that elevated liver enzymes are a marker of liver inflammation. In your case, SGOT levels around 131 and SGPT levels around 207 suggest that there is some degree of liver injury. While these numbers are not at the extreme levels seen in acute liver failure (which can exceed thousands), they are still concerning and warrant careful monitoring. The fact that your SGPT levels have fluctuated, with a recent increase to 209, suggests that the liver is under stress, and this could be due to several factors including viral activity, lifestyle choices, or even medication effects.

In terms of risk, elevated liver enzymes can indicate a higher risk for liver complications, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) over time. The presence of HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) positivity indicates that the virus is still active in your system, and the levels of the antigen can correlate with viral replication and liver inflammation. Regular monitoring of liver function tests, along with imaging studies like ultrasound or FibroScan, is essential to assess the degree of liver damage and to guide treatment decisions.

Regarding the effectiveness of hepatoprotective medications, it’s important to note that while these medications can support liver health, they do not directly address the underlying viral infection. The medications you mentioned may help reduce liver inflammation and support liver function, but they are not a substitute for antiviral therapy if indicated. Antiviral treatments, such as entecavir or tenofovir, are typically recommended for individuals with significant liver inflammation or fibrosis, as they can effectively suppress the virus and reduce liver damage over time.

In addition to medication, lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing liver health. Here are some recommendations:
1. Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid high-fat, high-sugar, and processed foods, which can exacerbate liver stress.

2. Alcohol: Avoid alcohol completely, as it can significantly worsen liver damage in individuals with Hepatitis B.

3. Weight Management: If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce liver fat and inflammation.

4. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, which can help improve overall health and liver function.

5. Stress Management: Since you mentioned high stress levels, consider incorporating stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.

6. Regular Follow-ups: Continue with your regular check-ups and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations closely. If your liver enzymes remain elevated or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary, including possible liver biopsy or more advanced imaging.

In conclusion, while your elevated liver enzymes indicate a need for careful monitoring and possibly more aggressive treatment, there are several strategies you can employ to help manage your liver health. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider regarding your treatment plan and any changes in your symptoms or liver function tests.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Elevated Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns

Hello, Doctor. Last week, I had a liver function test, and the results showed elevated liver enzymes: AST: 162, ALT: 220, ALP: 79. I would like to ask if these values are very concerning, especially since I just completed my postpartum confinement period and have been experiencin...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your liver enzyme levels are elevated, indicating inflammation, and you need to be closely monitored and get plenty of rest. There are many reasons for changes in liver function related to Hepatitis B, such as fatigue, other viral infections, alcohol consumption, medicatio...

Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

My liver enzyme levels are GOT 71 and GPT 178. I contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion when I was young. Currently, I am preparing for graduate school and would like to know if I need to start interferon treatment immediately. I have visited China Medical University, an...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. Elevated liver enzymes indicate inflammation in the liver. Causes of hepatitis include viral hepatitis, fatty liver, medications, and fatigue. 2. In chronic hepatitis C, liver enzyme levels may fluctuate. An ultrasound may also reveal fatty liver. Prolonged liver inf...

Understanding Hepatitis B: Elevated Liver Enzymes and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis B. Recently, he underwent tests and his results showed GOT 54, GPT 85, viral load 17,000 (which is above the normal range), bilirubin 0.9, and amylase 111 (also above the normal range). What should we do? What could be the cause of this? Than...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Miss: Please schedule an appointment with the Gastroenterology and Hepatology department for evaluation by the attending physician. Additionally, avoid alcohol, refrain from staying up late, and do not consume traditional Chinese medicine or steroids. Changhua Hospital car...

Managing High Albumin and Liver Enzymes: Dietary Tips for Better Health

Hello doctor, I have undergone a health check-up. In the biochemical tests over the past 2-3 years, my albumin level was 5.8, which is slightly high, and my GOT was 40 and GPT was 59, both of which are elevated. I would like to know what I should pay attention to in my diet and w...

Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
It is best to first determine whether there is chronic viral hepatitis or fatty liver to identify the cause of elevated liver enzymes, and then treat accordingly. If it is viral hepatitis, dietary changes may have limited benefits, but if it is fatty liver, one should avoid high-...