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An easy method for diagnosing macro-aspartate aminotransferase: a case series
Omer Faruk Beşer1, Sibel Laçinel, Didem Gülcü
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, İstanbul, Turkey. bosporus2006@hotmail.com.
Summary
Macro-aspartate transaminase (macro-AST) is a cause of chronically high aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. A new, simple, and cost-effective method using cold storage can diagnose macro-AST in primary healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) levels can indicate liver, cardiac, or muscle disease, but macro-aspartate transaminase (macro-AST) is a less common cause.
- Diagnosing macro-AST often requires specialized laboratory techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a simpler, more practical, and cost-effective method for diagnosing macro-aspartate transaminase (macro-AST).
Main Methods:
- The study utilized a method based on the decrease in plasma AST levels after storing the macroenzyme at 2-8 °C for 5 days.
- This approach is a modification of previously described methods.
Main Results:
- In eight cases of macro-AST, AST activity decreased by over 50% from day 1 to day 6.
- The storage method demonstrated reliability and practicality.
Conclusions:
- This cold storage method is a practical and accurate diagnostic tool for macro-AST, suitable for primary healthcare facilities.
- It simplifies diagnosis and reduces the need for further unnecessary investigations.
