Interpretation of hypertransaminasemia

Raised serum level of transaminases aspartate (aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) is a frequent situation in medical practice. It is considered as moderate when the level is under 10 times normal and as chronic when it lasts for more than 6 months. The most common etiologies for chronically elevated transaminases are alcohol use, viral hepatitis, liver steatosis, diabetes, obesity and medications. Many non invasive tests, including history, physical examination, blood tests (markers for hepatitis A and B, muscular enzymes), and imaging procedures (abdominal ultrasonography) are usually done and lead to a correct diagnosis in 80% of patients. When the diagnosis cannot be determined non invasively a liver biopsy is recommended in order to make diagnosis, to evaluate the prognosis and to start an adapted treatment.