What is the characteristic AST:ALT ratio in alcoholic liver disease?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $9.99Unlock all

Prepare for the American Board of Family Medicine Examination. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with explanations and hints. Ready yourself for success!

Multiple Choice

What is the characteristic AST:ALT ratio in alcoholic liver disease?

Explanation:
Alcohol-related liver injury typically shows an AST that rises more than the ALT, giving a higher AST:ALT ratio. This happens because alcohol damages mitochondria, elevating mitochondrial AST more than cytosolic ALT, and chronic alcohol use often causes vitamin B6 deficiency, which reduces ALT activity. The result is a ratio greater than 2:1, with about 2:1 being the classic teaching (some cases can approach 3:1). So the pattern you expect is an elevated AST relative to ALT, not a 1:1 ratio or ALT-predominant rise.

Alcohol-related liver injury typically shows an AST that rises more than the ALT, giving a higher AST:ALT ratio. This happens because alcohol damages mitochondria, elevating mitochondrial AST more than cytosolic ALT, and chronic alcohol use often causes vitamin B6 deficiency, which reduces ALT activity. The result is a ratio greater than 2:1, with about 2:1 being the classic teaching (some cases can approach 3:1). So the pattern you expect is an elevated AST relative to ALT, not a 1:1 ratio or ALT-predominant rise.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy