Learn about normal ranges, symptoms, and treatment options to maintain liver health. Regular testing and a healthy lifestyle are essential.
What is SGPT?
Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT), otherwise referred to as (ALT) Alanine Aminotransferase. It is an enzyme produced by the liver. It aids in amino acid metabolism, which degrades to produce energy for the functions of the body. The liver is an important organ that produces the enzyme GPT from a range of cell types. When the liver is damaged, ALT is transferred to the blood, and levels increase. The test is used to measure the significant enzyme and protein levels for any variation from the normal level. A physician likely ordered this test at intervals for liver patients.
The liver is one of the crucial organs of the body. Its main activity is detoxification, metabolization of fat, carbohydrates and protein, hormones, Stable blood sugar level, formation of ketones and facilitating digestion.
Fatty liver, cirrhosis of the liver and other liver ailments are very prevalent nowadays. When the liver is damaged or injured or if it secretes more enzymes than the level of SGOT and SGPT rise.
Liver enzymes are
- SGOT (Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) / Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- SGPT (Serum Glutamic- pyruvic transaminase)
Normal range of SGOT and SGPT
- SGPT- 7-56 units/litre of serum
- SGOT- 5-50 units/ litre of serum
What are the tests used to diagnose the SGOT and SGPT levels in Blood?
There are various tests used to check for the SGOT and SGPT levels in blood and some of these tests are:
- SGOT (AST) (Book Now)
- SGPT (ALT) (Book Now)
- Liver Profile Package (Book Now)
- Liver Profile (Book Now)
- Liver Function Test (LFT) (Book Now)
Causes of elevated SGOT and SGPT level
Elevated SGOT and SGPT level reflects possible liver damage or dysfunction. The intrinsic causes of liver damage are-
Alcohol Abuse
- Excessive intake of alcohol leads to liver damage. Alcoholic liver disease results after long periods of heavy alcohol consumption. Over time scarring and cirrhosis can result. Liver cirrhosis is the terminal stage of alcoholic liver disease.
- Due to liver damage, the level of SGOT and SGPT in blood increases.
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is a condition in which excess fat is deposited within the liver.
It has two types
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Alcohol-induced fatty liver disease (ALD)
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic hepatitis and auto-immune hepatitis.
Hepatitis may lead to inflammation of the liver and cause elevated ALT and AST.
Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is an end-stage liver illness which results in abnormal liver functioning. It occurs due to scar tissue formation that leads to irreversible damage to the liver.
Drugs
Minimal drugs and prolonged administration of antibiotics, statins (drug used to lower cholesterol) and analgesic (pain reliever) results in hepatotoxicity leading to damage to the liver and elevated SGOT and SGPT levels.
Other causes which lead to an elevation of level of SGOT and SGPT
- Heart attack
- Diabetes
- Epstein barr virus
- Inflammation of gallbladder
- Obesity
- Celiac disease
- Hemolysis
- Polymyositis
- Cancer
What Happens When SGOT and SGPT Is High?
High levels of SGPT and SGOT means different complications in the body.
Let's talk about the risk of high SGPT and SGOT
Some anticipated complications are
- Jaundice (Book Now)
- Vomiting and nausea (Book Now)
- Swelling in legs (Book Now)
- Breathlessness (Book Now)
- Fatigue (Book Now)
- Bruises
Treatment of High SGOT and SGPT
Treatment varies with the cause of high SGOT and SGPT level. Doctors can treat by two ways either by medicine or liver transplant.
Medicinal treatment in case of viral disease like hepatitis or Wilson's disease
In case of irreversible damage, liver transplant is advised.
Some other ways to prevent liver disease
SGOT and SGPT level can be maintained and controlled by the following ways-
- Select healthy lifestyle
- Maintain balanced diet
- Exercise daily
- Decrease weight in case of obesity
- Increase Vitamin D in diet by adding eggs, tofu, green vegetables, milk and dairy products
- Don't take too much salt
- Never self-medicate
- Limit alcohol intake
- Stop smoking
Conclusion
Elevated levels of SGOT and SGPT can be a useful diagnostic sign of many ailments such as liver disease, cardiac problems, muscle injury and so on. For further detailed assessment of liver best test is LFT (Liver Function test)
Early detection is best for a healthy life. If you receive an abnormal test result, it is crucial to meet with your doctor who provides you with whole care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Are the Symptoms of Elevated SGPT Level?
Sign and symptoms of elevated SGPT includes-
- Weakness
- Jaundice
- Bleeding
- Bruising Shortness of breath
What Are the Symptoms of High SGOT Level?
- Loss of weight
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Dark colour urine
- Pale colour stool
- Swelling in ankles
Q. How Do I Know My Liver Is Normal?
Liver blood test quantifies the amount of proteins, enzymes and bilirubin. Abnormal SGOT and SGPT reveal damage or inflammation of the liver.
Is SGOT and SGPT High in Alcoholics?
SGOT and SGPT are elevated in alcoholic hepatitis and in fatty liver disease.
Q. What Are the Signs of Fatty Liver?
- A dull ache in the right upper side of the belly
- Severe tiredness and weakness
- Loss of weight
Q. When Should Anyone Require SGOT and SGPT?
If you are having any liver problems or you have a history of liver injury, then you must go for the SGOT and SGPT test. Your physicians will recommend you if you show signs of jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain.
SGOT and SGPT are routinely tested as part of health check-ups.
Q. What Happens During SGOT and SGPT Tests?
A trained healthcare professional will take a blood sample from an arm vein. No special preparation is needed for the SGOT and SGPT test.
