Understanding SGOT and SGPT Levels – A Must-Read for Anyone with Abnormal Liver Function Tests
This page features the full transcript of the video on SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) – two key liver enzymes commonly checked in liver function tests (LFTs).
If you or a loved one have recently had abnormal SGOT or SGPT reports, this resource will help you understand:
- What these enzymes are
- What causes their levels to rise
- Which conditions require further investigation or treatment
This content is especially helpful for:
- Patients recently diagnosed with fatty liver, hepatitis, or liver inflammation
- Individuals undergoing treatment for alcohol-related liver disease
- Diabetic or overweight patients with elevated liver enzymes
- Anyone seeking clarity on their liver test reports
You can watch the video or read the full transcript below for detailed, easy-to-understand insights.
Reasons for increased SGOT/ SGPT, SGOT/SGPT, How to Treat – by Dr Vikas Singla
What is SGOT and SGPT?
SGOT is also known as AST, and SGPT is called ALT. Normally, a rise in these levels indicates inflammation in the liver.
The liver is a vital organ in our body that performs many important functions, such as digestion, making various proteins, and detoxification.
So, if there is any issue with the liver, it’s natural to be concerned.
Whenever we check the health of the liver, the first step is usually a blood test called the Liver Function Test (LFT).
If you look closely at an LFT report, it typically checks four types of enzymes—SGOT (AST), SGPT (ALT), Serum Alkaline Phosphatase, and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), which is also called GGT.
Usually, these enzyme levels are normal. But if the levels are raised, either SGOT and SGPT increase, or the levels of Alkaline Phosphatase and GGT are high, one should consult the best gastroenterologist for proper treatment.
Understanding SGOT and SGPT
So first, it’s important to understand that SGOT and SGPT are enzymes found inside the liver.
Besides the liver, these enzymes are also present in the heart and skeletal muscles (which we commonly refer to as muscles).
If there is any issue with the liver, heart, or muscles, the levels of SGOT or SGPT in the blood can increase.
However, it has been commonly observed that in most cases, a rise in SGOT and SGPT is more often related to liver problems.
SGOT and SGPT Levels Increase
Now let’s understand why SGOT and SGPT levels increase and what their treatment is.
The first step is to look at how much these levels have risen. If SGOT or SGPT levels are very high—say 500 or above – then it is considered significantly elevated.
The normal range or cut-off value of these enzymes can vary slightly from lab to lab, but generally, it falls between 30 to 50.
So, if someone’s SGOT or SGPT is around 500 or even higher, it usually indicates acute inflammation in the liver.
“Acute” means sudden, so this means the liver has suddenly developed swelling or irritation. The most common reason for this is acute viral hepatitis.
Causes of Acute Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis A and E viruses are the primary causes of this type of hepatitis. In some cases, the hepatitis B virus can also cause acute hepatitis.
In such patients, the main symptoms are fever, vomiting, reduced appetite, and eventually, the development of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
When a blood test is done, SGOT and SGPT levels are found to be quite high.
If viral hepatitis is suspected, then specific tests for Hepatitis A, E, and B are conducted. Based on the results, appropriate treatment is provided.
Patient with TB
Apart from this, if a patient is taking TB (tuberculosis) medicines, some of them may experience liver toxicity or liver damage as a side effect. In such cases, the SGOT and SGPT levels can become quite high.
That’s why, for patients on TB medication, regular liver function tests (LFTS) are recommended to monitor liver health and catch any issues early.
Patient with Gallbladder Stone
Apart from that, if a patient has gallbladder stones and one of the stones slips into the bile duct, their SGOT and SGPT levels can also become very high. However, these levels usually return to normal within a day or two.
If a stone is stuck in the bile duct, the patient may experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills along with fever, and even jaundice.
This condition can be easily diagnosed through an ultrasound. With the help of endoscopy, the stone from the bile duct can be safely and effectively removed.
Chronic Hepatitis
Now let’s understand what it means when a patient is having SGOT and SGPT levels but is under 300.
The most common reason in such cases is chronic hepatitis. “Chronic” means a long-term condition, and “hepatitis” refers to inflammation of the liver. In chronic hepatitis, a patient is having liver inflammation for a long time.
People with this condition often don’t show any symptoms. Some of the patients may feel tired or experience mild discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen region.
One of the main causes of chronic hepatitis is alcoholic hepatitis, which occurs in individuals who consume alcohol regularly. The alcohol causes ongoing inflammation in the liver.
In such cases, when blood tests are done, the SGOT and SGPT levels are usually raised. Interestingly, SGOT levels are often twice as high as SGPT in alcoholic hepatitis.
In addition to this, the patient may also develop jaundice, where the bilirubin level in the blood becomes elevated. In blood tests, the GGT (Gamma GT) value can also be significantly high.
So, if someone regularly consumes alcohol and it has led to liver inflammation—known as alcoholic hepatitis—then it is very important for the person to stop drinking alcohol immediately to prevent further liver damage.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Another major cause of chronic hepatitis is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). This means there is inflammation in the liver due to fat buildup, but the person does not consume alcohol.
This condition is commonly seen in people who have diabetes or those who are overweight or obese. In such patients, when blood tests are done, the SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) levels are found to be elevated.
If this condition is not treated in time, it can gradually progress and lead to liver cirrhosis, which is a more serious and irreversible liver condition.
If someone is diagnosed with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), they should consult a doctor immediately. Usually, the progression of this condition can be slowed or stopped by keeping blood sugar under control and by losing weight.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Other causes of chronic hepatitis include viral infections, mainly Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. These viruses are common causes of long-term liver inflammation. Fortunately, they can be easily diagnosed through blood tests, and both conditions have effective treatment options available.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
There are some other causes of chronic hepatitis as well. One such condition is autoimmune hepatitis, in which the body’s immune system starts producing antibodies that attack the liver, leading to damage.
To diagnose this condition, doctors usually check for specific antibodies in the blood through special blood tests.
Wilson’s Disease
Apart from autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson’s disease is another cause of chronic hepatitis. In this condition, copper builds up in the liver, leading to liver damage. Another condition is hemochromatosis, where excessive iron accumulates in the body and affects the liver.
Chronic hepatitis can also be caused by certain medications — a condition known as drug-induced hepatitis. If a patient is taking medicines that are known to affect the liver, regular liver function tests are advised to monitor liver health.
There are other medical conditions, too in which SGOT and SGPT levels may increase:
Muscle diseases can raise SGOT and SGPT levels, since these enzymes are also present in muscles.
Heart problems may also lead to elevated enzyme levels.
People with wheat allergy (also called celiac disease) often suffer from loose motions and nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to anaemia and raised SGOT/SGPT.
If someone has thyroid problems, especially an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), they may also experience elevated SGOT and SGPT levels.
Please consult the best gastroenterologist for effective treatment if your SGPT/SGOT levels are high.