The significance of isolated aspartate aminotransferase elevation in healthy paediatric patients.

Aim: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme expressed in several organs; therefore, AST elevation may reflect outside of liver pathology. AST elevation may also be associated with macro‐AST (m‐AST). The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term course of children with prolonged isolated AST elevation and the prevalence of m‐AST in our cohort. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of children diagnosed with prolonged isolated AST elevation and were evaluated for m‐AST. Results: Thirty‐two patients were included. AST elevation persisted for a median of 66.6 months and ranged from 1.23 to 12‐fold upper limit of normal (ULN). Twenty‐two percent were m‐AST positive and 44% had borderline levels of m‐AST. A statistically significant difference was found for age at presentation between the borderline and the positive m‐AST groups (31 vs. 69 months, respectively. p = 0.045). None of the patients with elevated AST developed significant liver disease. Conclusion: We confirm the benign course of prolonged isolated AST elevation in general and m‐AST in particular. A fifth of the patients with isolated AST elevation were m‐AST positive. No differences have been found in AST levels between negative, borderline or positive m‐AST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]