What does it mean when alanine aminotransferase is low?
May 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Alanine aminotransferase usually refers to alanine transaminase. Low levels of alanine transaminase are typically caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as hepatitis and hepatic hydatid disease. During disease treatment, patients should remain under observation in the hospital for some time. After discharge, regular follow-up examinations at the hospital are necessary to monitor the recovery progress.
Under normal circumstances, amino transferase usually refers to alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Low levels of ALT are generally caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as hepatitis and hepatic hydatid disease. Specific causes require detailed examination at a hospital. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
If a patient frequently stays up late or engages in intense physical activity over a short period, it may place stress on the liver, leading to decreased liver fat. This is a normal physiological phenomenon, and symptoms typically improve after adequate rest.
2. Pathological Factors
1) Hepatitis
Associated with bacterial or viral infection, hepatitis can cause upper abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, and local inflammatory effects that damage the liver, resulting in decreased liver enzyme levels. Treatment may include medications such as lamivudine hydrochloride tablets, entecavir dispersible tablets, or telbivudine tablets, taken as directed by a physician.
2) Hepatic Hydatid Disease
A zoonotic liver disease commonly caused by parasitic infection, this condition leads to pain and a sensation of heaviness or distension in the liver area. It can also impair liver function and affect related indicators. In severe cases, treatments such as partial hepatectomy may be necessary.
Besides the above-mentioned causes, low ALT levels may also result from fatty liver, liver cysts, or cirrhosis, which may require treatments such as liver transplantation. During treatment, patients should remain under medical observation in the hospital for a period of time. After discharge, regular follow-up visits to the hospital are recommended to monitor recovery progress.
