Reference values of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in apparently healthy individuals and their relation with body mass index.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the reference values of ALT and AST in healthy, young individuals of Lahore and compare them with international reference values and to determine its relation with Body Mass Index. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional Study. Setting: Department of Pathology, Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Period: March 2017 to May 2017. Material & Methods: Blood Samples were drawn from apparently healthy volunteers and medical students coming to Blood Bank of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore for blood donation, and their ALT and AST values were obtained after screening. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.20 and values between 5th and 95th percentile of ALT and AST levels from healthy subjects were taken as reference values. Results: Reference values for ALT came out to be 13.50-52.50 IU/l whereas reference values for AST were 15.75-47.00 IU/L. It was also observed that Body Mass Index had direct correlation with upper normal limit of ALT & AST values. Conclusion: Values of ALT and AST in our study were consistent with the reference values given in the text books.