I submitted myself for a routine medical exam last Wednesday. Blood tests, x-rays, physical, eye and dental exams were done. I knew I was completely healthy, except that I was worried about my x-rays – that they might see something there because I have been having on and off cough and colds, due to weather changes. I also did not get my annual dose of flu vaccine last year.
I got the results today (after two days), and surprisingly, they found something else, instead of abnormal x-ray findings. They found that my serum SGPT is elevated. How much, that I have to clear tomorrow to the doctor. I was informed on the phone that I have to see the doctor so she can prescribe something for this problem.
As a medical professional, I know I should not get worried about it because I know it is something that can be treated. But to be honest, I got really worried. First, something is wrong with my body. Second, I might be rejected from the job I am applying.
Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT also known as Alanine Aminotransferase or ALT) is an enzyme that is normally found in the liver, but not exclusively. It is released into the blood during liver damage, so it is more or less a very good indicator of liver status.
The first thing that comes into my mind when SGPT is elevated is Hepatitis, especially viral. But then my blood tests included hepatitis screening, and I scored negative there. So I erase hepatitis from the list of possible culprits.
One cause of liver damage is alcoholism. But then I really don’t drink a lot. The last time I had alcohol was about middle of last month when my barkada fetched me from the airport, after my trip in Bacolod and Iloilo. We headed straight to a bar in Bulacan with some other friends before I went home. And I only had about three to four bottles of Lights. So I don’t think that I am that alcoholic for my SGPT to go up.
There are two possible causes of elevated SGPT which I believe could be related in my case. One is obesity, which can cause a fatty liver. The other one is chronic medication use.
I don’t think that I am that obese to make my SGPT shoot up, but I think I have been eating a lot of fatty foods lately which could have caused my liver to become fatty. A 24-hour recall of my dietary intake would really suggest a very poor dietary intake. Last night, I had fried chicken for dinner. I had longganisa with fried rice for breakfast this morning. And I had pork barbeque with java rice for lunch a while ago. It is just now I am realizing that I have been eating the wrong stuff!
Add to that, I have stopped going to the gym since late last year. A combination of lack of exercise and poor food choices could lead to a fatty liver.
Another factor that could have caused my elevated SGPT is my chronic medication use for the last few months due to on and off cough and colds. I initially treated myself with a self medication of antibiotics. When that did not work, I went to The Medical City for consultation. I was then subjected for two rounds of antibiotics, plus other cough medications. I have stopped taking those medications though, as I am only having my usual multivitamins and a supplemental dose of vitamin C.
Well, I can only wonder what really caused my present problem, till I see the doctor tomorrow. But starting this very moment, I think I should look after my health in a different perspective.
Maybe you should, too.
******************************
FOOTNOTE:
17 May 08 – I got to speak to the doctor. She also suspects fatty liver. She suggested for me to take Essentiale three times a day, and a low fat diet. I will repeat the blood test in a week. Good luck to me!
whoah! get well dude. but nothing much to worry about it. if it is not that elevated, and that fatty liver is the cause – some weight loss and diet will do the trick. i had a fatty liver, too before!
That is so nice of you to share, and to forewarn other people who might develop this some kind of a problem in the future especially if they have the same dietary habits as yours. Take care of your health, man.
hi there! i should say this is some intellectual blogging. i hope u get ur sgpt down the soonest time. look after ur diet!
Kashmiri says : I absolutely agree with this !
Same Problem like me…. My Solution Proper Diet and Rest Also the Exercise and essentiale as a food Supplement.
What is that medicine? Inhailler – symbicort??
Hi Marc, William, Marcus – Thanks for always coming here, guys!
Hi Kashmiri, it’s my first to see you here! thanks for dropping by!
Hi Richard, I hope your SGPT is within normal now…
Hi Lasantha, Essentiale is a medicine in capcule form, a food supplement for the liver.
I just got the same call this morning about my SGPT levels. The doc has requested a blood test and ultrasound. Now that I have read this blog, I actually feel better about all this–b/c I think that mine is from poor diet, although my exercise regiment has been pretty good. Thanks!
hi meg, my SGPT got better after i took ESSENTIALE caps for a week and a strictly vegie diet. no meat! good luck and i hope your SGPT goes down soon!
srry u experiencing that man? i have hepatitis b virus (HBV) scary stuff this thing leads to inflammation then cancer of liver, take care of ur self guys. also get a early blood test to kind out if u have hepatitis a,b,c,d, just have unprotected sexy, deep kissing,sharing personal stuff can let u get infected with these viruses it.
MY SGOT AND AND SGPT LEVELS ARE ELEVATED AND I WAS TAKING SEVERAL MEDICATIONS THAT I STOPPED TAKING THEM. MY SGPT WAS A 600 THEN I RETOOK LABS 3 DAYS LATER AND THEY WENT DOWN TO 217. I AM IN SHOCK I AM 42 ALWAYS BEEN HEALTHY. CAN YOU GIVE ME ADVISE ON A DIET TO FOLLOW OR WHAT TO DO.
GRACE
hi grace! it seems it was the medications you were taking before that’s causing the rise in your SGPT. I think stopping them did the trick. A low fat diet should do also.
I had the same blood test results, everything fine except a rise in SGPT. The doc will retest me in a month and if it is still elevated, he will have me do a scan. I am 67 years old and am in excellent health. I belong to a couple of running clubs,one of the organizations involve drinking after the run. I probably average no more than 3 beers a week I would like to know what medications would cause a rise in my ALT. I take medication for stomach acid and glucosamine for a swollen knee. I hope they found the cause for your abnormal test results and that you are on the road to recovery
hi jack… A number of medications could cause abnormal liver enzyme levels. These include:
-Pain relief medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), neproxen (Narosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), and phenybutazone (Butazolidine)
-Anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin), valproic acid, carbamazepine (Tegretol), and phenobarbital
-Antibiotics such as the tetracyclines, sulfonamides, isoniazid (INH), sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, etc.
-Cholesterol lowering drugs such as the “statins” (Mevacor, Pravachol, Lipitor, etc.) and niacin
-Cardiovascular drugs such as amiodarone (Cordarone), hydralazine, quinidine, etc.
-Anti-depressant drugs of the tricyclic type (medicinenet.com)
Thanks for the post Bro. Nelson, now I finally figured out what may be the cause of my elevated SGPT level. I have a normal medical results from blood to urine except for slightly elevated SGPT which I am always trying to reduce to a normal level but I don’t know how? I have cleared the medical requirements here in Oman though my SGPT levels are slightly higher. I will try to focus on my diet from now on… Regards.
Hi Jun, thanks for dropping some lines. I hope your SGPT levels go down the soonest possible time. Let’s take care of our health!
hi! it seems that eating fatty foods and drinking too much alcohol can lead to liver disease. try milk thisle and godex. goodluck!
we are the same problem and i don’t know what to do!
Hi Oca, Thanks for the suggestions.
Hi Nathaniel, Your doctor should tell you what to do. And try the diferent approaches mentioned here depending on what you believe is causing your elevated sgpt.
hi, i have just gone through an sgpt test and my count is 170. I am extremely worried about it. I am not alcoholic ,but i do have an obesity . I take fatty food items every weekends . I am also going through an extreme medications for 4 years . I take frisium ,eptoin (dosage 25 mg daily ,option 350 mg daily) plz suggest me what i am suppose to do.This sgpt count is getting on my nerves . plz reply me as soon as possible
thank u
Hi Phultuli, It seems your chronic medication use is causing your sgpt to rise up. You should consult your doctor regarding stopping them, or taking other alternative medications. Try taking liver supplements such as Essentiale or Liveraid. I hope your SGPT goes down the soonest. Let’s be a liver lover!
I had my Sgpt and sgot checked as part of my yearly blood exam. My sgot was within normal limits but my sgpt was slightly elevated, mga 50. I got a little worried so I went to this gastroenterologist in Makati Med to have me checked. As far as I know, i’ve never had hepa. I’m not a drinker and not obese. Medyo fatty lang nga diet ko and I’ve stopped exercising for a long time. The doctor had me to go for an ultrasound of my liver and additional hepa tests to rule out hepa. In the meantime he prescribed me Ursofalk which is very expensive 3x/day for 2 weeks. i really hope its not hepa.
Hi Jquin3, I also think that is not hepa, according to what you said.
Hi I have elevated sgpt, its going up and down. will it also lead to diabetes?
Elevated SGPT does not necessarily lead to diabetes, but diabetes can lead to elevated SGPT.
I had tested last Dec ‘08 my SGPT-100, SGOT-51, Total Bilurubin-0.7, Total Protin-7.4, SAKP-89, Albumin-5.0, Globulin-2.4. Then my doctor prescribed me Hepacor-150mg (L-ornith… Aspartate) twice daily for three months. after that the same test occured on 30.03.09 and found SGPT-126, SGOT-40, Total Bilurubin-0.8, Total Protin-7.6, SAKP-76, Albumin-5.0, Globulin-2.6. After getting this results my doctor Prescribe me Solubid 300mg (Ursodeoxycholic Acid)twice daily for 20 days and USG for abdomen to see Fatty Liver.
Now my question is is there any chance for Liver Cancer?
It is difficult to tell with the limited data on lab works you presented. A definitive diagnosis of liver cancer can only be made on a biopsy.
The style of writing is quite familiar to me. Did you write guest posts for other blogs?
Hi there! No, I didnt write guest posts for other blogs. I only write for my personal blogs (digital catharsis, inigo’s first journal) and contribute posts for mhphs92.blogspot.com.
Thanks for dropping by.
I have an slight elevated level SGPT… i already check it twice..
the first is 52.. and the second result is 59.. i think i have the same issue as you.. because my diet is not healthy.. to much meat..
I kind a scared of the result.. because i want to apply a job.. to be a resident in general surgery…
I already heard about the Essentiale capsule.. my friend told me about that.. at first i don’t believe it, but after i read your blogs.. maybe i’ll try it..
Hopefully my SGPT level will go do
Hi Billy, considering your SGPT is not that high, diet modifications and supplements should do the trick. Essentiale or Liveraid are the supplements recommended, but it’s better to consult your doctor. Thanks for dropping a note.
hi there? i need your help.. i am worry about my sgpt/alt (result conv 48.) and (wbc 11.4) how to solve? what will i need to do??
Hi Maisee! Your SGPT is not very high, but you need to see your doctor so he can identify what’s causing this rise in SGPT. If you are taking liver-damaging medications, you should stop them. You should also start a low fat diet, and avoid alcoholic drinks. Your doctor can prescribe some liver supplements if necessary.
hi digitalcatharsis, oh i see.. how can i get low fat diet? execrise or drink diet or eat limit?
Eliminate meat, fried food and fastfood from your diet; shift to low-fat milk; start a regular exercise regimen. These should help reduce SGPT.
ok i will try.. thank u so much!
I had my laboratory exam last week because of high blood pressure of 170/120, it appeared that I have a high cholesterol level and what bothered me is 112 sgpt which I don’t know the reason because I don’t even know what SGPT is. I did some research and it bothered me more because its something with the liver, I’m not alcoholic and never had hepatitis but I’m obese. Is that the possible cause of it? I’m now trying to do some diet. I hope it will help.
Hi Ria, thanks for dropping by! Yup, SGPT concerns the liver and a rise on it tells you a certain degree of liver damage. You should consult your doctor regarding taking liver supplements. Obesity does cause a rise in SGPT so you should consider weight reduction by regular exercise and diet modification.
Ha! Fatty liver really has nothing to do with eating fat, per se. It is caused by a disorder in carbohydrate metabolism. Eating the wrong kinds of carbs, and too many carbs is the mechanism of this problem. In fact, many fatty livers have pre-diabetes, or syndrome-x. You don’t have to “look” obese to have a fatty liver either, since obesity can be disguised by a small body frame. Big and fat looks much different than small and fat. Also, many presumably lean individuals, have, lurking within, a fatty liver.
Disclaimer: Dr Yoda MD is not a doctor, but he plays on on the Internet. This doesn’t mean his diagnosis is faulty, as he has many correct diagnoses under his belt, in which a “real doctor” was either perplexed by a symptom set, or completely missed the mark, all together.
Hi Dr Yoda MD, thanks for the information you shared. Being obese does not necessarily mean that you have a fatty liver and elevated SGPTs too. I was pretty lean myself and was not obese when I had my elevated SGPT.
hi my SGPT (ALT) going up and down.I had tested last Feb ‘09 my SGPT (ALT)-180, Then my doctor prescribed me Hepa-Merz Syrup.Tablets Ursofalk (Ursodeoxycholicacid), Sym (Silymarin) and Vitamin E.but no result its going up to 180 than 90. 103 , 70.
plz suggest me what i am suppose to do.This sgpt count is getting on my nerves . plz reply me as soon as possible
thank u
Hi Ahtesham Khan, supplements are not enough. you need to reduce fatty foods in your diet, and you should also have some sort of exercise. That is, if your doctor sees fatty liver as the cause of your liver problem.
hi! my husband has high sgpt 137. we went to an internist and he told us to do more lab tests and prescribed godex caps 2 caps 3x aday for my husband. my husband is not an alcoholic though our diet is pretty much composed of fatty foods. my prob is that godex caps are so expensive. is there anything we can take which is less expensive and yet is still as effective as godex?
i tried Essentiale capsules and it was effective for me. My doctor also offered Liveraide tablets as alternative for essentiale. I hope these are available in your country.
Hi I have my sgpt 119. My diet is mostly fatty foods. Negative naman sa hepa A B C. So I also suspect fatty liver. I will recheck my sgpt again after a week.
Hi Worried Too. Thanks for leaving some notes. I hope you have reduced your intake of fatty foods so by the time that your labs were repeated, your SGPT should have gone down.
Hello ako uli ito. well, positive for fatty liver talaga siya and ni recommend ng doctor sa akin is to take Godex. Nag pa ultrasound ako medyo maliit lang naman ang fat. Recent sgpt ko is 78 ul/ml.
It’s nice that you found about your elevated sgpt earlier, while it’s still not that high. I hope your level reach the normal limits the soonest possible time.
I hope sana nga, as of this time naka Godex na ako check ko uli next week kung mag improve. My sgpt come from 119ul/ml to 74ul/ml. Ilang points na lang for normal 30-65ul/ml.
hi worried too, it seems your techniques to reduce your sgpt level is working! Godex is doing a great job for you too. share us the results of next week’s labs, ok?
hi sir
my SGPT levels are first time 46 , bilurubin 1.4 after two weeks SGPT 59 bilurubin 2.4 doctor says take a ultra sound abdomen
impressions are fatty liver grade 1 parenchyma distinguished s/o fatty changes.
DOCTOR PRISCRIBED EVION 400MG TAB
please give me details am afraid of this conidition
hepatities b and c (neg)
ANA (NORMAL)
Serum cellulo plasmin (normal)
Lipid profile(normal)
Complete blood picture(normal)
please give me details
Hi Kumar,
Fatty liver results from accumulation of fats (usually triglycerides) inside liver cells. There are many types, and the most common is the Non alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). If you drink little or no alcohol at all, this could be your type. and this is reversible with diet modifications, exercise and supplements. Your level is not that high, but better follow up with your doctor after a couple of weeks to have your SGPT checked again.
Hi! I got interested with your blog because this sound related to the anxiety that my husband is facing today. His main problem is related to the lungs because he has suspected dormant tb, however before the doctor will give his medication for 6 mos, ha was requested for a lab test which includes sgpt, and he has elevated result as well. I learned that the normal ranges from 0-30 if im not mistaken,but he got 60 sgpt test. Is this an alarming result? He will be meeting his doctor to give the lab test results and Im just worried about the sgpt.Actually, we cannot believe how he got this kind of disease because he is a non-smoker, non-alcohlic but maybe it does affect the lifestyle or the diet perhaps. Sometimes, things happen unexpectedly in a wrong timing. Before, we knew about the xray result , he was already hired for employment abroad and this undesirable result hindered his goal at the moment.
i also have high SGPT count. i would like to go to muscat. will it become a problem to get my medical certificate
Hi Venus, the sgpt of 60 is not that high and should be treatable with supplements, and diet modification. I hope his sgpt has gone down at this time, and that he gets his job abroad. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Praveen, the question of whether you are “fit to work” depends on how high your elevated sgpt is, and what’s causing it. If it’s because of Hepatitis, which is sometimes the cause of the rise in sgpt, it could be a problem. But if it’s caused by factors that can be modified, and the level is not very high, changes in lifestyle could help you. Thanks for dropping by.
hi,
i have a problem with my sgot and sgpt the reading was 85 and 175 on last october..my doctor give me jetepar to taken for 3 month the check again..is it jetepar is a drug? after consume it a few days i feel headache a liite bit then i stop it..now im taking a suppliment call essence of golden clam which use to maintain the liver…have you heard about this golden clam..im non alcohol and non smoker . hope you can suggest me anything to drop the reading. TQ
regards
harris
hi,
i exercise regularly. My lab report show sgpt-87,bilirubin-1,cholesterol-161,tryglycerides-92,hdl-40,ldl-103.everything is normal except SGPT levels.I drink once in a month.i took anabolic steroids 7 months ago but i regularly kept a check on the levels.I’m on a bulking phase so i’m taking high carb diet.I’m 5′11 & weight is 85kg.Is there something to worry about.Please suggest
Hi HARRIS, Jetepar is also good liver supplement, but since you had headache with it, there are other alternatives like ESSENTIALE and LIVERAID capsules. I heard about the Essence of Golden Clam, it’s a traditional chinese medicine derived from clams in Taiwan, but whether it is really effective for the liver, I am not sure yet coz I haven’t talked to anybody who has used it. If your levels hasn’t gone down at this time, I suggest you go back to your doctor for better alternative supplements. I wish you well!
Hi VIVENDRA, Your level is not that high and should go down with some dietary modification and liver supplements. A low-fat diet could help. Ask your doctor for a liver supplement appropriate for you.
HI GUYS! THANKS FOR DROPPING BY MY SITE. I JUST WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT THE RESPONSES ON THIS THREAD ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE OR CONSULTATION. IT’S STILL BETTER TO ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN WHEN YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO YOUR HEALTH. YOUR DOCTOR CAN MAKE A THOROUGH ASSESSMENT ON YOUR CASE AND MAKE ADDITIONAL TESTS IF NECESSARY.
My SGPT is high. My doctor prescribed Ursomax 150 and advised to recheck after 1 month.
Can you comment how effective is this??
All the above patients are worried about the elvated SGPT and SGOT levels not more than 300
But in my case my SGPT level is 2199.0 and SGOT is 4017.0. I am really worried.
Six months back it started with jaundice. Treatment with aurvedic medcine did not give any
results. Abdomen and legs swollen. Hospitalised tapping done to remove liquid from abdoman
My doctor diagonised my liver disease as AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS. treatment stated with Prednisoline
20mg to 15 mg to 10 mg to 5mg and then 5mg on alternative days. After few days of starting
5 mg on alternative dalys all the symtpomms of jaundice reappeared. A week before my dentist
prescibed antibiotic Amoxicycline 500 mg twice daily for 3 days. I am confused the elvated
SGPT and SGOT is due to reduction in the dose of Steriod or than antibiotic ? Now I am back
to 20mg dose of steroid. Any help with your experience or knowledge will be appreciated.
Hi AMIT, I’m sorry I don’t have any information about Ursomax 150. None of the people here on this thread have mentioned their use if this kind of medicine and I haven’t come across of this drug so far so I can’t tell much about its efficacy.
Hi SHREEKALA, your SGPT is so high! Most of the people who are coming here have lower SGPT level than yours because theirs were usually cost by fatty liver and is easily reversible given the proper medications, diet and exercise. Yours is a different case because your rise in SGPT is due to Autoimmune Hepatitis.
Certain medications including antibiotics causes an increase in SGPT, but I can’t be so sure for your case. The SGPT rise can mainly be due to hepatitis and not due to the medications you are taking. I am sorry to hear about your sickness and I wish you get well the soonest time.
We’ll pray for your quick recovery.
Hai sir,
I am addicted to Spasmo Proxyvon, a strong pain killer for the past six year. Earlier I was taking 10 or 15 in a day but now for the past 15 days I stopped all the drugs and not even taking a single pills perhaps. I have undergone Liver function test and it reveals that my sgpt is 55 U/L. Will it come down after stopping drugs or I have to go for hepatitis test. sit my diet was also too high.
Hai
I have addicted to Spasmo Proxyvon for the past six years. I have undergone liver test and my sgpt was 55 U/l. I stopped taking the pill for the past 15 days. will my SGPT comes down or I have a liver disesase such as hepatitis.