AST in liver disease
Last reviewed 01/2018
Plasma AST is raised in liver disease, including that secondary to congestive cardiac failure after a myocardial infarction.
Mild disease tends to cause a plasma ALT to plasma AST ratio of greater than 1. More extensive disease results in a ratio less than 1.
A reduction is markedly raised AST levels may represent resolution or severe liver disease with minimal enzyme left for release.