Normal

12-37 U/L

Indications

* Monitor progression of:

* Liver disease

* Response to treatments.

* Monitor liver toxic medications

Description

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme primarily found in liver and heart cells and to a smaller extent, AST can also be found in the pancreas, kidneys, skeletal muscle, and brain.   Levels of AST increase from cell death (necrosis) because the AST enzyme is released into the blood.

What would cause increased levels?

* Liver disease

* Liver cancer

* Shock

* Congestive Heart Failure ( CHF)

* Pericarditis

* Biliary tract obstruction

* Dermatomyositis

* Pancreatitis

* Muscular Dystrophy

* CVA

* Hemolytic anemia

* Delirium Tremens (DT)

What would cause decreased levels?

* N/A