The liver is the largest gland in the body which carries out a large number of functions including metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, regulation of blood clotting and elimination of toxic waste substances from the body.
You may be advised to undergo a liver function test if your doctor suspects a derangement in the functioning of the liver. This test also includes SGPT count analysis.
This article will give you a brief idea about what is SGPT, how to prepare for the test, under what conditions SGPT may be raised and what do the test results mean.
SGPT is a short form for serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase. It is also known as alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
SGPT is an enzyme produced by the liver. It is found in small quantities in red blood cells (RBCs) and abundantly in the liver, heart, kidneys and brain.
SGPT is released into the blood when there is any damage to the liver cells or to the tissues of heart, kidneys and brain.
A liver function test along with SGPT is generally advised when a patient reports with the following signs and symptoms:
The following pointers regarding personal, past and family history are also considered for an SGPT test
As evident from what SGPT is, the purpose of doing an SGPT test can, therefore, be considered as a measure of the degree of damage to the liver.
Since SGPT requires venepuncture, the below-mentioned steps will be followed by the nurse to draw blood:
This normal reference is applicable to men and women of all age groups as well as women during pregnancy.
This normal reference value can often vary in different laboratories and also from person to person depending upon age, sex, health status and other factors mentioned above.
Slightly high levels of SGPT can be treated with appropriate rest, diet and abstinence from alcohol or offending medications. Such values may occasionally be found among elderly individuals in absence of signs and symptoms of a liver disorder.
SGPT values greater than 70 units per litre are worrisome and require immediate medical attention and probably even hospitalization since they are associated with signs and symptoms.
Low SGPT levels are not of much significance. They simply indicate that the liver is functioning optimally. Females tend to have lower SGPT values in comparison to men.
However, severely low levels may be found in certain illnesses mentioned in the section below.
Conditions with high SGPT levels include:
Low SGPT levels can be found in the alcohol-induced deficiency of pyridoxal phosphate (the active form of vitamin B6).
An abnormal liver function test including the SGPT parameter must be discussed with your doctor immediately. This is because liver damage can be reversible up to a certain extent.
Once the extent of liver damage becomes widespread, changes in liver cirrhosis begin to set in. No form of treatment or medications can reverse liver cirrhosis and bring it back to a normal functioning state. This is especially applicable to individuals who consume alcohol regularly.
Dr. Archana Tegwal is currently working as a lecturer in under-graduate faculty of Homoeopathy in Jawaharlal Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College, Parul University, Vadodara (Gujarat). She has done BHMS & MD in Homeopathic Materia Medica in March 2016 from Dr. V.H.Dave Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Anand (Gujarat). She also serves as a regional manager in NGO “World Healing Society Foundation”.
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