ALAT – reference values and liver health

Liver transplantation is a treatment option intended for patients with severe liver failure or certain liver diseases that do not respond to other treatments. Liver transplantation may be an option for end-stage liver cirrhosis, acute liver failure, or certain genetic liver diseases. The suitability of a patient for liver transplantation is carefully assessed, and factors such as the patient’s overall health condition and other possible diseases influence the decision.

The rate of liver recovery depends on the extent of the damage and the individual’s health condition. A healthy liver can regenerate and repair damage effectively, but recovery can take weeks or months.

Liver values can be elevated for many reasons, such as excessive alcohol use, side effects of medication, fatty liver, or hepatitis. Elevated values may indicate liver dysfunction.

An adult human liver weighs on average about 1–1.5 kilograms. The liver is the largest internal organ in the body.

Symptoms of liver cancer can include abdominal pain, especially under the right rib cage, weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and general fatigue. Symptoms can be nonspecific and may be confused with other liver diseases.

To reduce bilirubin, it is important to treat the underlying causes of its elevation. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, or more specialized treatments depending on the underlying disease, such as liver diseases.

The decrease in liver values depends on many factors, such as the original reason for the increase and the individual’s health condition. Generally, with healthy lifestyle choices and treatment of any underlying diseases, liver values can start to normalize within a few weeks.

An ALAT value is considered too high when it exceeds the laboratory’s reference values, which are usually about 10–70 U/L for men and 7–45 U/L for women. High values can indicate liver diseases such as hepatitis or fatty liver, but other factors such as obesity, diabetes, or excessive alcohol use can also raise ALAT values.

Normal values for GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) vary by age and gender, but generally are under 60 U/L for men and under 40 U/L for women. High values may indicate liver or bile duct problems.

Lowering liver values often requires lifestyle changes, such as limiting alcohol consumption, a healthy diet, and exercise. In some cases, medication or other medical treatment may be necessary.

To lower the ALAT value, it is important to identify and treat the cause of its increase. Common ways to reduce the value include following a healthy and balanced diet, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption, and regular exercise. It is also advisable to avoid medications and other substances that can strain the liver. If the ALAT value is significantly elevated, it is advisable to consult a doctor who can prescribe appropriate treatment.

The diagnosis of cirrhosis is based on symptoms, medical examination, and results from laboratory tests, such as liver function tests. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help assess the condition of the liver. A liver biopsy may also be performed if necessary.

Liver disease can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching, dark patches on the skin, or small, spiderweb-like vascular changes on the skin.

Symptoms of cirrhosis can initially be vague and mild, such as fatigue and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, it can cause jaundice, abdominal swelling (ascites), itching, and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Spider angiomas on the skin are also typical.

Gallbladder issues can manifest in various ways. Common symptoms include upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back or right shoulder, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms can worsen after eating fatty foods. In some cases, jaundice may also occur as bile accumulates in the body.

Fatty liver is typically diagnosed through blood tests, such as liver values and fat levels, and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or computed tomography.

Cirrhosis can appear on the skin in several ways. Typical manifestations include jaundice, spider angiomas (small patterns formed by blood vessels on the skin), and skin itching. Additionally, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (icterus) is a common symptom.

Liver dysfunction can manifest in various ways, such as fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, and swelling. Symptoms depend on the type and severity of liver disease.

The ALAT value can decrease from a few days to weeks depending on what has caused the increase. For example, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption, a healthier diet, and regular exercise can accelerate the decrease in the ALAT value. If the ALAT value has increased due to liver disease, lowering the value may take longer and require treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Fatty liver can be asymptomatic for a long time, but in some cases, it may cause fatigue, upper abdominal pain, or swelling. The diagnosis is usually confirmed through blood tests and imaging studies.

The treatment for fatty liver primarily involves lifestyle changes: a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss if necessary. Reducing or stopping alcohol consumption is also important.

Liver cirrhosis usually progresses slowly over the years. In the initial phase, cirrhosis can be asymptomatic, but as liver function deteriorates, it can lead to serious complications such as internal bleeding, kidney failure, and liver failure.