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Updated: May 11, 2026
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High-throughput Fluorometric Measurement of Potential Soil Extracellular Enzyme Activities
Published on: November 15, 2013
[Not Available].
1Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitätsspital Basel.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|April 27, 2013
Summary
Elevated liver enzymes in asymptomatic individuals warrant investigation. A two-step approach, starting with common causes like NAFLD and NASH, is recommended before exploring rarer conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Elevated transaminases are found in over 5% of asymptomatic patients.
- Identifying the cause is crucial for timely intervention and management.
- Common etiologies include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcohol, viral hepatitis, and drug toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a systematic diagnostic approach for elevated transaminases in asymptomatic patients.
- To differentiate between frequent and rare causes of liver enzyme elevation.
- To discuss the utility of proposed investigations.
Main Methods:
- A two-step investigational strategy is proposed.
- Prioritizes common causes (NAFLD, NASH, alcohol, hepatitis B/C, hemochromatosis, drugs) first.
- Subsequently investigates rarer causes (autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson disease, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency) and non-hepatic causes (celiac disease, hemolysis, myopathies).
Main Results:
- Frequent causes like NAFLD/NASH, alcohol, and viral hepatitis are highlighted.
- Rarer hepatic and non-hepatic etiologies are also considered.
- The diagnostic value of a stepwise approach is discussed.
Conclusions:
- A structured, two-step investigation is effective for diagnosing elevated transaminases in asymptomatic individuals.
- Prioritizing common causes streamlines the diagnostic process.
- This approach aids in identifying liver disease and other underlying conditions efficiently.
