An SGOT level above 200 generally indicates liver damage or disease, but the specific cause needs further investigation.
Understanding SGOT (AST)
SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase), now more commonly known as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), is an enzyme primarily found in the liver and heart, but also present in muscles and other tissues. When these cells are damaged, AST is released into the bloodstream. Elevated AST levels above 200 are usually a sign that there's damage happening somewhere in the body, with liver damage being a primary concern.
Possible Causes of Elevated SGOT
Here are possible reasons for an SGOT level above 200:
Liver-Related Issues
- Alcoholic Liver Disease: Years of heavy drinking can lead to liver damage, resulting in increased SGOT and SGPT levels. As the reference states, "Alcoholic liver disease occurs after years of heavy drinking... Due to damage to the liver Level of SGOT and SGPT in blood increases." This can progress to cirrhosis, the final stage of alcoholic liver disease.
- Viral Hepatitis: Infections from viruses like Hepatitis A, B, or C can cause significant liver inflammation and elevated SGOT/AST.
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition is characterized by excess fat buildup in the liver, and can lead to elevated liver enzymes.
- Other Liver Diseases: Autoimmune hepatitis, liver cancer, and other less common liver conditions can cause elevated AST.
- Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Certain medications or supplements can harm the liver and cause increases in SGOT.
Non-Liver Related Issues
- Heart Problems: Heart attacks or other heart-related issues can cause an increase in AST, since it is also found in heart muscle.
- Muscle Damage: Strenuous exercise, muscle injuries, or muscle disorders can lead to elevated AST from muscle tissue damage.
- Other Conditions: Some other less common conditions can also increase AST.
What Happens Next?
When SGOT levels are above 200, several steps are usually taken:
- Further Testing: Doctors will likely order further blood tests, including SGPT/ALT, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and other liver function tests, to help determine the extent and cause of liver damage.
- Imaging Scans: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI of the liver may be done to visualize the liver and surrounding organs.
- Medical History Review: A detailed medical history, including alcohol consumption, medications, and family history, is essential.
- Lifestyle Review A review of current diet and exercise is usually a good place to start.
- Possible Liver Biopsy: In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the elevated SGOT.
- Alcoholic Liver Disease: Treatment includes complete abstinence from alcohol and may involve medications or a liver transplant in severe cases.
- Viral Hepatitis: Antiviral medications are used to treat chronic hepatitis B and C.
- NAFLD: Lifestyle changes, including weight loss, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, are often the primary treatments.
- Other Conditions: Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and can include medications or other interventions.
Conclusion
An SGOT level above 200 indicates liver or muscle cell damage and warrants further investigation by a healthcare professional. Do not ignore this result, and work with a doctor to find the cause and best treatment plan.
