What Should be SGPT and SGOT Levels in Jaundice?

SGPT and SGOT are liver enzymes that are elevated when liver cells are damaged or inflamed. SGPT is also called ALT (Alanine Transaminase), and SGOT is AST (Aspartate Transaminase). When the level of these enzymes increases in our liver, it results in various liver problems. Some of the diseases include liver cancer, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice.

Jaundice is one of the serious conditions caused by the increase of SGPT and SGOT levels in the liver. In jaundice, the colour of our skin and the whites of our eyes turned yellow. This colour change occurs due to the breakdown of red blood cells, which then produce the yellowish waste material called 'bilirubin.

What are SGPT and SGOT enzymes?

SGPT and SGOT are both enzymes that break down amino acids and act as indicators that track liver health. SGPT or ALT (Alanine Transaminase) is found in the liver, which plays a role in damaging a specific part of the liver. Whereas SGOT or AST (aspartate transaminase) is also present in other parts of the body, including the liver, such as the kidneys, brain, heart and muscles. And this can cause more problems for other parts of the body, such as injuries of muscle and heart diseases. When SGPT and SGOT levels increased together, it directly affected the liver.

What causes elevated SGPT and SGOT in jaundice?

Jaundice is not just a disease; it is a symptom which comes with many other diseases of the liver or bile ducts. When these symptoms get worse, the liver will get infected as these enzymes rise in jaundice.

Some of the causes of elevated SGPT and SGOT in jaundice are:

- Fatty Liver Disease

People with diseases such as diabetes or with obesity have some chance of an increase in these enzymes.

- Alcoholic Liver Disease

It is very common in the people who took alcohol very frequently and in large amounts. It damages liver cells and can increase SGPT and SGOT levels in the body. Sometimes SGOT levels are double the SGPT levels in the case of alcoholic hepatitis.

- Haemolytic Jaundice

In haemolytic jaundice, there is a slight rise in SGPT and SGOT levels. This rise occurs due to the breakdown of red blood cells, which causes bilirubin.

- Hepatitis:

In hepatitis, SGPT and SGOT levels rise very high; it is because of viral infections, which can lead to liver inflammation.

- Bile Duct Obstruction

In bile duct obstruction, the level of ALP (alkaline phosphatase) also rises with SGPT and SGOT. This happens because of the gallstones or tumours which block the bile duct and cause elevated bilirubin and enzymes.

- Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Taking medicines such as painkillers and antibiotics frequently can lead to a toxic liver.

SGPT and SGOT levels in different kinds of jaundice?

SGPT and SGOT levels can vary according to the type of jaundice. There are normally 3 types of jaundice: pre-hepatic jaundice, hepatocellular jaundice, and post-hepatic jaundice.

1.Pre-hepatic jaundice:

In pre-hepatic jaundice, SGPT and SGOT levels are normal or slightly elevated. It is caused by excessive breakdown of haemolysis, also called red blood cells, that leads to an increase in bilirubin. In this type of jaundice, the liver did not get damaged.

SGPT/SGOT Levels:

- Usually normal or mildly elevated.

- May range between 30 and 30–70 IU/L

2.Hepatocellular jaundice:

In hepatocellular jaundice, the levels of SGPT and SGOT rise significantly and can lead to liver inflammation or liver cell damage. This happens because of the presence of enzymes which are released from damaged liver cells into the bloodstream.

SGPT/SGOT Levels:

- Significantly elevated; often 300 to 1000 IU/L

- SGPT is usually higher than SGOT in viral hepatitis.

- SGOT may be higher than SGPT in alcoholic liver disease

3.Post-hepatic jaundice:

In posthepatic jaundice, SGPT and SGOT levels are moderately elevated; it is less than in hepatocellular jaundice. In this case, bile duct obstruction prevents bilirubin from draining from the liver.

SGPT/SGOT Levels:

- Mild to moderate elevation, generally ranging from 100 to 100–300 IU/L.

- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is often more elevated than SGPT/SGOT.

Treatment for sgpt and sgot in jaundice

SGPT and SGOT levels in jaundice can be treated through various ways, including medications, lifestyle changes, and by taking a good diet. By taking proper treatment and precautions, one can help manage the causes of liver damage and reduce liver inflammation.

Some of the advice and precautions you can take are given below:

- By taking a healthy diet such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean meats, you can help support your liver health.

- Being hydrated is essential to flush out toxins from your body, which helps clean the liver and improve functions.

- Doing physical activities or exercising regularly can support overall health and improve liver function.

- By avoiding beverages like alcohol, which affects the liver directly, you can save yourself from damaging the liver and other serious issues.

- Avoiding processed foods can help strain the liver.

- Drinking milk can help reduce liver inflammation and decrease the level of SGPT.

- Taking antioxidant-rich foods such as nuts and green tea supports liver health.

For proper treatment, it is suggested to visit your healthcare provider and take prescribed medicines. Medications can help treat underlying causes of your liver inflammation or liver cell damage. It helps treat diseases such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease.

Other considerations you keep in mind are that regular check-ups are important to monitor your liver health. Track your process through blood tests and medical checkups. Apart from alcohol, smoking also increases the risk of liver damage, so it should be avoided.

When do I need a doctor?

When you are experiencing symptoms such as:

- Abdominal pain

- Yellowing of the eyes and skin

- Pale stools

- Vomiting

- Weight loss

- Fatigue

- Dark-coloured urine

If you notice any of the symptoms, it is your sign to contact your doctor to get immediate treatment. With proper diagnosis, treatment and follow-ups, you can manage these symptoms and get back to your normal life with a healthy liver and fit body.