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!
i got my s billirubin direct 0.6, total 1.2 and SGPT 320….is it indication of jaundice or some kind of infection ???
i got my s billirubin direct 0.6, total 1.2 and SGPT 320….is it indication of jaundice or some kind of infection ???
elow..everyone i got sgpt lvl 104 yesterday and i got so worried….i just want to ask if you stop eating fatty foods , taking supplements and doing exercise, how long it will take to lower down the lvl…..im not also alcoholic drinker..i got worried because my job is coming very soon..thanks for any reply…
It should take a week or two for results to be seen. But as I’ve said, not everyone is the same, so your level might not reduce as fast as you wanted it to go down, or it may. Good luck!
thanks then….im doing everything to lower as soon as possible…is 108 alt is already too high????i read some alticle in net and seeing they even have 1000+ alt…..is 108 alt too high??
Your level is above normal, but still reversible
Hi, instant noodles and canned goods okey pa rin ba un kainin ng mga may fatty liver?
Hindi sya ok! Vegies ka muna!
Hi, how do you interpret an SGP of 63 which is above the ref range of 0 – 41? Is this serious, esp in getting fit to work clearance? thanks
Most of the time, companies ask the applicant to retest after a week or two, that is after some diet change, and supplements. If the level does not go down, employers usually decline the application.
Hi, im alan. last march 30, 2012 i’ve got my gallbladder remove by laparoscopic surgery. And recently i’ve got my sgpt tested and found out to be 115. After 2 days i checked again and got 66. The dr in the medical clinic advise to me to take godex ds togther with diet. I take oatmeal and wheat bread and after 2 days i checked again my sgpt and was surprised that it was elevated to 79? Is the reason for my elevated sgpt is the surgey that i undergone?Is godex ds helping me?How can i lower my sgpt in 1 week time?thanks
Hi Alan. Godex is good in lowering down high sgpt levels, and you did well with your diet. I couldn’t readily relate your gall bladder surgery to elevated sgpt levels. Are you taking medications? Some drugs can cause liver damage, enough to elevate sgpt levels. Consult with your doctor about changing your liver supplements. Good luck.
I understand how you feel. I am a hypochondriac. The thought of being sickness drives me crazy. Anyway, I hope after your meeting with your doctor, everything will be fine. Take care.
Hi, My sgpt level is 165 even after taking Ursodeoxy cholic acid for one month, befor this it was 140. Moreover SGOT also elevated from 69-80. In the mean time the size of a cyst in R-kiedny increses from 11.2×9.8 mm to 23.5×18.7mm. I am very must worried. What can it be. Earlier one doctor told me it may be due to fatty liver since there has been negative result for Hepa A, B C and autoimmuen diseases. Another doctor advice me to do liver biopsy; but not yet. What to do really I am fustrated! Any suggestion/advice please.
Hi LR Singh. I would consider a liver ultrasound before undergoing a biopsy. This would confirm a fatty liver diagnosis. The cyst on the right kidney should be checked by your nephrologist too since its size is incrreasing. I hope you’re not taking liver-toxic medications, and is not taking alcoholic drinks. Good luck.
History of my Elivated SGOT/SGPT
My childhood onwards my Total serum bilirubin is above 1.5 mg/dl.
On 2010 when I done my blood test(Because of back pain) there was a slight increase in SGOT and SGPT – Both around 44mg/dl.
Next year 2011 I repeated the same and found that SGOT is 110 and SGPT is 170 and bilirubin is 2.25.
Abdominal Scan – Grade 1-2 Fatty Lever
I consulted a doctor and he prescribed a liver supplement for 6 months and SGOT and SGPT back to normal
SGOT -38
SGPT – 42
and bilirubin reached 1.75. After that I stopped liver supplement(Around 3 months now) .
Alcahol consumption(wkly once/twice) – Stopped on 2011(As per Dr advice)
Two days back I done my LFT again and results showing elevated SGOT and SGPT . Results are below
S.Bilirubin Total : 2.25 mg/dl
S.Bilirubin Direct : .80 mg/dl
S.Bilirubin Indirect : 1.45mg/dl
Serum SGOT : 90 U/L
Serum SGPT : 110U/L
Serum Alkaline Phospate : 56 U/L Normal range
Serum Protiens – Normal
Creatinine – Normal range
HBsAg Eliza – Negative
Anti HCV – Negative
Dr adviced UDIHEP and Evion 400 again. Please advice
Hi Anonymous. I would think it was due to alcohol consumption. Just contnue with your liver supplements and have your self retested according to your doctor’s advise. Good luck.
Hello sir
First of all a great thanks for the blog which provided me lot of information.you are doing a great work
My problem is I always have elevated sgot and sgpt while other parameters of LFT test remain normal including bellarubin .I drink and smoke .as my professional need i have to undergo medical check up every year.this time when I checked it was my sgot and sgpt was 115 and 85 .
I have my main medical check up in 3 weeks time and I want to get it reduced and I am planing to take drug . My question is godex or UDIHEP is better?wht would be the doses I should take.?I am also on diet and stoppped drinking and smoking.but I need to get sgot and sgpt down asap!!
Thanking you again
Basil mathew
Hi Bro,
Based on my personal experience, my SGPT was @ 115. I was prescribed with GODEX DS and it went down to 43 after a week. I took it 3 times a day with of course healthy diet, with no meat or oil and full of fruits and vegetables, daily exercise. Although, it is a little costly (around 82 pesos), I highly recommend it.
I hope you find this information helpful and good luck.
RAGDE
Hi Basil. Godex and DIHEP are good liver supplements, and take them as directed by your prescribing physician. Consider avoiding fatty and oily food like fastfood and meaty dishes. Get some exercise too. Good luck.
Ragde, thank you very much.
my SGPT is 58 ,i should have 40 ,is it dangerous ? i dont smoke nor drink
is it normal plz ??
Your sgpt level is only slightly elevated, and is not dangerous. Consider changing your diet to less fat, less meat and consult your doctor about starting a liver supplement.
Hi, this is A. Dubey. Sir I am suffering from high level of SGPT 253. I am not getting what should I do to control the SGPT level. I take all type of medicine bu my SGPT level does not come up to 40 (normal limit). i take fresh water and take home made food. I am non alcoholic, I am pur vegitarian.
At the age of 8 years my lever got enlarged due to severe jaundice since then this problem persist till date. Doctors says this high level SGPT is due to unknown cause.
Sir please suggest me what should i do to control the SGPT level.
Your level is indeed on the high side. But you need to get your doctors to get down on the cause. Consider diagnostic procedures such as liver ultrasound, CT scan. You need to find the cause in order to know the steps to make to reduce your level. Diet and liver supplements might not be enough to help.
my sgpt is 53.2 and i have re medical for government job tommorow the company have asked the doctor even if sgpt is increased can he should opine that m fit for job or not? is this much elevation can lead to disqualification
Many companies do consider an elevated SGPT a ground for job disqualification. One reason is because it can be due to Hepatitis. Most of the time, the recruiting company would request you to repeat the test in a week or two. During this time then, you have to take measures to reduce your level by refraining from fatty foods, avoiding liver-toxic medications. If your elevated SGPT level is just due to a mild fatty liver, your level should go down on your next blood test. And then the company might reconsider you job application. Good luck.
Hi, I’m at work but really can’t concentrate, my father was hospitalized a week before due to suspected DENGUE, his platelets is 132, but after 1 day of fever, we noticed that his skinned was colored yellow, after having a test, positive to HEPA B, his SGPT is 2,000.00 then after 2 days of medication in hospital, his SGPT, become 1703 U/L. His platelets become normal also. Then the doctor told as that we can continue medication at home, after 3 days of medication, we had his SGPT then it goes up to 2507U/L. What do you think happened to this. Is still there a possibility for this SGPT to decrease and back to normal. My father is a bus driver, and we advised him to have rest and full home medication even at least six months..I’m really worrying. Please give me advise. thank you!God bless
Hi April. Sorry for the late reply. I have stopped writing in this blog for a while and it’s only now that I’m openign it again. I hope your father is better now. SGPT in Hepatitis is usually very high, but it goes down when medications arew taken. So I hope your father continued his meds as directed. I’m praying for your father’s full recovery.
hi nelson,which is more effective,godex ds or legalon for fatty liver?thanks
I couldn’t guarantee, but I find that many are using Godex than Legalon.
Dear Sir,
earlier i done my sgpt tests ….in march 2012
Total Biluribin 1.30 mg/dl
Direct Biluribin 0.80 mg/dl
SGPT 168 u/L
few days back i had my tests again where
Biluirubin Total 1.8 mg/dl
Bilurubin Direct 0.4 mg/dl
SGPT 42 U/L
Pls tell me that why this biluribin is increasing …. & doctor said if everything is normal … dont think much about bilurubin
& doctor given one table Morine -R
pls suggest me what to do
hello sir,
i have raised SGPT (112) And GGT (205),can this be a result of gas problem?
I can’t tell exactly, but I can say that there’s a minor liver damage that needs to be corrected. Consult your doctor for further investigations.
my doctor gave me GODEX but quite expensive..it cost 80 pesos each capsule..my sgpt elavated to 113 the normal is 42, is it very alarming?thank u.
No. It is not very alarming. But you should start taking steps in reducing further liver damage by starting on the medications, and avoiding fatty foods.
No it is not very alarming. Liveraide is cheaper than Godex, but I could not guarantee as to whether they have the same effectiveness in lowering down sgpt level.
hello sir.. im nico..23 years old right now im having trouble with the increase of my sgpt and sgot.. i was diagnosed having tuberculosis.. wala po akong kahit na anong bisyo.. kaya ang sabi kelangan ko po magtake ng medications for 6mos.. pero after a month of taking the medications for tb bigla po akong nagkaron ng jaundice.. naconfine din po ako.. kaya pinatigil po muna yung paggamot ko at nagpatest po ng sgpt and sgot.. sgpt from 160 – 78- 60 sgot 70 – 43 – 46 yan po naging resulta during the 3 test for 2mos.. ang sabi kelangan ko daw po pababain pa bago ako maggamot pra po uli sa tb ko.. kelangan ko po maggain ng weight for tb pero kelangan ko po mgdiet for liver.. may mabibigay po ba kayong advice sakin kung anong dapat gawin.. both to normalize yung sgpt and sgot.. and kung my knowledge din po kayo about sa tb ko.. kung ano po dapat kong gwin.. though ang blog po na to ay mostly pra talaga sa liver.. tnx po in advance.. evryday ko po binubuksan tong blog nyo.. wish to see your respond sir… sana po as soon as possible.. sir tnx in advance..
Hi Nico. Sorry for the late reply. Naglie low na kasi ako sa blogging due to my work. About your questions, nakakaapekto talaga sa liver ang mga antiTB medications kaya usually minomonitor talaga ang liver profile when one is on antiTB meds. And since tumaas nga ang SGPT mo, you have to lower it down with the recommended diet – no fatty foods, avoid meats, no alcoholic drinks. Avoid hepatotoxic drugs too such as pain medications like paracetamol. Consult your doctor about liver supplements. Pag mababa na ang sgpt level mo, sana makaresume ka na sa anti TB drugs mo. Ang TB ay nagagamot naman with medications, so don’t worry. I wish you well and you’ll be in my prayers. Good luck.
Hi Nelson, recently I had my blood workup. (trip ko lang talaga since my family has history of diabetes) and chose to include Lipid Profile and SGPT. To my surprise, my cholestrol and SGPT, pati Uric Acid were high. Chole was 8.2 (5.2 normal), SGPT 137, Uric Acid 8.5 (7.2 normal). I had hepa profile which came out negative for all. And then had hbt ultrasound which came up with Fatty Liver. I am now taking Ursofalk, Vit E and Silymarin for the liver, Ezetrol for the insane cholesterol and Atenurix for the uric acid. Ang worry ko lang is that the cholesterol and uric acid meds can affect the sgpt levels too right? I’ve stopped eating fast food and avoided fatty food pero I’m just 1 week into it. Any advice and encouragement? Manageable pa naman ba yung 137 na sgpt?
Yes, manageable pa naman ang level mo. Just continue with the liver supplements, and continue with the recommended diet. Good luck.
Good AM any of you na makakapag suggest ng lab na makakapag conduct ng blood test besides sa hospital, mahal kasi nasa 9K yung sabi sa akin sa Manila Doctors or ganito ba talaga yung price? By the way, am monitoring my liver enzymes due to high ALT/SGPT, nagsimula ito nung end ng January this year as abdominal pain, pero prior to that mag 2 years ago may series of abdominal pain ako na ang sabi ng unang Doc na tumingin sa Medical City Ortigas is Gastritis she even have me undergone endoscopy, ultrasound and binigyan niya ako ng Omeprazole for 2 mos., nawala naman yung pain kaso dumating yung time na mawawala babalk. This month end ng January, nagka abdominal pain uli ako medyo severe, enough para di ako makapasok kaya nag pacheck up uli ako, and nagpa admit kasi medyo nanilaw ang eyes ko (that freaks me out), this time sa Manila Doctors naman, ang diagnosis initially is gallstones pero after testing like ultrasound and MRCP wala namang bara sa mga bile duct yun nga nung lumabas blood chem ko mataas ang ALT/SGPT and biliburin which gradually bumaba naman during my stay sa Madocs til’ ma discharge ako though medyo mataas pa rin sa average. Then yun nga may continuous checkup ako sa Ma Docs til’ irecommend na ako ng Doc sa Medical City uli this time GI na specialist sa Liver, gusto nung Doc na bago is have my blood chem checked uli, kaso kahapon nung nasa Ma Docs ako to have my blood chem, sabi ng health card ko (Maxicare) di raw covered, pina assess ko kung magkano yung blood chem yun nga napag alaman ko na aabot na mga 9K, kailangan ko kasing magkapagpa blood chem para isubmit sa bagong Doc, unfortunately for me di ko nagawa kahapon dahil nga di daw cover ng Maxicare. May maisuggest ba kayong lab na medyo mura ang blood chem? As of now, no pain though bumaba ako ng timbang kasi naging watchful ako sa mga food intakes ko (by the way medyo overweight ako), and medyo paranoid ako sa mga nababasa ko sa web like Autoimmune Hepatitis and other liver problems… am having Legalon as of the moment… Kung ganon talaga ang presyo for blood chem then I have no choice to have my blood test sa hospital na rin… Thanks…
Hi, I don’t know if its ok to mention names here pero try mo sa Accuserv Diagnostic Center. My Internist at St. Luke’s usually lets me have my blood work ups done there. Dati nagpafull lab work ups ako, FBS, Lipid Profile, HBa1c at marami pang iba including xray and Urinalysis and I only paid 1500. Reliable naman sya kasi when I compared the results when I had my sgpt taken sa hospital where I work, same lang halos. Btw, Accuserv is just near St. Luke’s QC. Katapat lang halos.
hi!!!try mo sa hi-precision mura lng 1300.00 lahat ung bloodchem
Thanks sa info!
Gaano katagal bago makuha yung result…?
If you get your blood extracted at around 8-10am in the morning, usually by 430pm makukuha mo na results
my sgot was80 and my protein8.5 sgpt 105 last year they were normal
Maybe your diet has been very oily for the last months. Consider reducing alcohol intake too. And did you get sick over the last months. Some medications can also cause liver damage. Your level is not that high to be very worried. Consult your doctor about taking liver supplements. Good luck.
ht 179 wt 100 kg diabetic on medication 47yrs sgpt 300 sgot too high fbs toohigh. how can I reduce my sgpt
SGPT can be reduced with liver supplements, reducing intake of meats and oily food, avoiding liver-toxic medications and avoiding alcohol-containing beverages.
This is a very informative post. I have autoimmune problems (Lpus) and thyroid problems(Hashimoto). I go to the MD all the time. I dislike it but keeping up with my endocrinologist who does blood tests and my regular MD keeps me in better health just because they are always reminding me to follow the correct ways to eat and exercise. We always need to have a little push.
Please keep on top of your health. You are a health professional who is probably always exposed to a lot of things. Being healthier is going to help you fight all the things that may be in the air at work.
Thanks for sharing tis info and your medical journey.
Blessings ..
Isadora
Thanks, Isadora! My prayers for good health to you
My lab results showed trace of albumin in the urine analysis..My SGPT is 107 and SGOT is 50. I’m taking legalon and essential forte as per doctor’s advise..Need to go back to my doctor after 3 days to repeat the tests but i am on my 6 days of treatment now and planning to see my doctor after tomorrow..do you think that 3days of treatment would complement from lowering my sgpt result? I never drink alcohol. Thanx.
It should lower down in 3 days, but the longer the treatment, the better, to reach the normal limits.
BTW, i’m 40 yrs old,male,not obese..i have one more thing to ask, my BP is 140/90mmHg. I wanted to do exercise but the feeling of the so-called gas reflux causing me to stop..I have refrained from eating fatty/oily foods in the last few weeks due to elevated sgpt. In the late afternoon, I go for a walk, does this somehow help? I have been taking losartan 50mg once a day without the knowledge of my doctor who have prescribed hepatoprotector drugs, does it affect my lab results later on bec i’m taking a combination of anti-hypertensive dugs and hepatoprotector drugs? I am negative for hep A screening,,! I need your reply ASAP pls!!! Thank you so much..
Some antihypertensive drugs can cause an increase in SGPT, so it’s a good idea to mention this to your doctor who prescribed your liver supplements. Some hypertensive patients who are on meds do routine lab works to monitor liver damage due to meds.
How about my urine result having a trace of albumin sir? what does it show? i am also worried about this..i am also scheduled for a repeat U/A..thank you!
The presence of albumin in the urine is an indication of kidney damage to a certain extent. Your doctor should consider doing extra diagnostic tests related to your kidney.
Hi I have ALT 61 & AST 55 I am taking Bifendate Pills. Can i take Hepamerz along with this. Please suggest as i have to reduce this in a 2~3 days time I haven’t taken any meat for the last 2 weeks & No Oily or Fast food Items. NO Alcohol in my life.
I have a job opening need this urgent Please Help.