Can fatty liver cause elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)?
Disease description:
My grandmother has long suffered from fatty liver. During her last hospital checkup, the doctor said her alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was elevated. I would like to know whether fatty liver can cause elevated ALT levels.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Moderate to severe fatty liver generally may lead to elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. In mild fatty liver, liver function is usually not impaired, and ALT levels typically do not rise unless there is accompanying liver inflammation. Patients should take hepatoprotective medications under a doctor's guidance and undergo regular checkups at the hospital, such as liver and gallbladder ultrasound or liver function tests.
