Implication of normal liver enzymes in liver disease

J Viral Hepat. 2009 Aug;16(8):529-36. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2009.01150.x. Epub 2009 Jul 28.

Abstract

Chronic liver disease is usually asymptomatic until its late stages and also significant hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis may be present in persistently normal ALT levels HBV, HCV carriers or similarly, in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Given the large number of persons in the general population which may harbor a clinically significant liver disease behind the screen of normal alanine aminotransferase, more attention should be devoted to future research for alternative noninvasive markers of liver damage.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood*
  • Humans
  • Liver / enzymology*
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Alanine Transaminase