How much higher are transaminase levels in acute hepatitis compared to the upper reference level?

In acute hepatitis, transaminase levels, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), can significantly rise due to hepatocyte damage and inflammation. In this condition, it is common to see these enzyme levels increase to a range of 20 to 50 times above the upper reference limit.

This dramatic elevation indicates a severe disruption of liver function and cellular integrity, as transaminases are enzymes released into the bloodstream when liver cells are injured. Monitoring these levels helps in assessing the extent of liver damage and guiding treatment decisions.

While lower elevations of transaminases (such as 5 to 10 times or even 2 to 5 times the upper reference level) can occur in other liver conditions or milder cases of hepatitis, the acute phase tends to show much more profound increases, which aligns with the choice reflecting an increase of 20 to 50 times. This information is crucial for laboratory professionals and clinicians evaluating liver function and the severity of hepatic injury in patients.