Persistently raised aspartate aminotransferase (AST) due to macro-AST in a rheumatology clinic

Abstract: Macrocomplexes between immunoglobins and aspartate aminotransferase (macro-AST) may result in persistently increased AST concentration. The presence of macro-AST in patients has been implicated in unnecessary investigations of abnormal liver function tests. We report the case of a 44-year-old female who presented to the rheumatology clinic with a 12-months’ history of constant widespread pain affecting her limbs and was found to have an elevated AST concentration. Further information from her GP revealed a 14-years’ history of elevated AST with otherwise normal liver function. Previous abdominal ultrasound and two liver biopsies carried out 2 years apart were normal. This prompted further analytical investigation by the biochemistry department which identified macro-AST as the cause. This case illustrates that persistently raised isolated AST concentration with no other abnormal indices may warrant macroenzyme analysis potentially avoiding unnecessary invasive investigations.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Persistently raised aspartate aminotransferase (AST) due to macro-AST in a rheumatology clinic ; volume:2 ; number:2 ; year:2015 ; pages:137-140 ; extent:4 ; Diagnosis ; 2, Heft 2 (2015), 137-140 (gesamt 4)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Mbagaya, Wycliffe ; Foo, Joanne ; Luvai, Ahai ; King, Claire ; Mapplebeck, Sarah ; Gough, Andrew ; Jassam, Nuthar

Further information

• DOI: 10.1515/dx-2014-0065
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2412011631469.673171258331
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:24 AM CEST