Common conditions diagnosed with the help of SGOT test

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lakshmipriya P

SGOT levels play a critical role in assessing liver health and function. But, elevated SGOT levels can be indicative of various medical conditions ranging from liver diseases to muscle injuries. This blog is intended to shed light on the importance of SGOT testing and interpretation.

What is SGOT?

SGOT (Serum glutamic – oxaloacetic transaminase), also known as AST, is an enzyme found mainly in liver. Besides liver, it is found in kidney, muscle, heart, brain and RBC. When these cells are damaged or inflamed, this enzyme can leak into the bloodstream causing elevated levels in blood test. So, this can be used as marker of liver function or damage to any of these organs.

Who should do SGOT test?

SGOT test may be done in case of following symptoms:

liver related problems-fatigue, tiredness ,nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, easy bruising, jaundice , swelling in leg or abdomen, dark urine, pale stools
heart related problems- shortness of breath, chest pain
family history of liver disease
loss of weight or appetite
risk factors-obesity, diabetes

Why SGOT test matters?

Evaluate liver health
early detection of other health issues
monitor ongoing treatment
making informed health choices- lifestyle, diet

How to perform test?

It is a routine blood test. Sample is obtained from the vein and analysed at lab. No special preparation like fasting is required.

Normal levels:

5-40 U/L
>1000- alarming.

Causes of elevated SGOT levels

Since SGOT is a quintessential enzyme produced in liver, altered levels indicate signs of liver damage.

Liver diseases
Hepatitis-viral /autoimmune
Alcoholic liver disease
NAFLD-Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
liver cancer
hemochromatosis

Does high SGOT always indicate liver damage?

High SGOT often means liver damage, but it can also be due to:

Heart diseases

Myocardial infarction
Congestive cardiac failure

Muscle injury
skeletal muscle trauma
strenuous exercise
rhabdomyolysis

Other causes
medications and toxins
biliary tract diseases – obstruction or inflammation
pancreatitis
hemolysis
severe burns
acute renal disease

High SGOT levels with normal SGPT (another enzyme found predominantly in liver) means this is coming from different part of the body.

Generally the increased levels can be classified as:

mild increase - intense workout, medications, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
moderate increase- hepatitis, liver damage from alcohol, side effects from medications
severe increase – cirrhosis, acute liver failure

Other associated tests

Liver function test – SGPT ,bilirubin, albumin levels
Complete Blood Count
Renal Function Test
Viral markers for hepatitis
ECG, Echocardiography, cardiac enzymes
Coagulation tests
Imaging -Ultrasound Scan

Conclusion

Understanding SGOT levels and its significance is essential for preventing potential health complications. It is crucial for assessing liver health early detection and management
of liver diseases, along with other diseases.