Considering the serum protein electrophoresis pattern, what is expected for transaminase results in hepatic cirrhosis?

Considering the serum protein electrophoresis pattern, what is expected for transaminase results in hepatic cirrhosis?

• A. Within normal limits for both
• B. Marked elevation of both (20-50-fold normal)
• C. Mild elevations of both (2-5-fold normal)
• D. Marked elevation of AST but normal ALT

Answer: (C)

In hepatic cirrhosis, mild elevations of transaminases, particularly AST and ALT, are typically observed. This is due to the liver's progressive damage and inflammation. While both AST and ALT may be elevated, the elevation often remains within a modest range—typically around 2 to 5 times the normal values, reflecting the chronic nature of cirrhosis rather than acute liver injury. Moreover, the serum protein electrophoresis pattern in cirrhosis shows changes such as a decrease in albumin and an increase in globulins, often indicating immune response or chronic inflammation. In contrast, marked elevations of transaminases are more characteristic of acute liver conditions or significant hepatocellular injury, rather than the more stable elevations seen in chronic cirrhosis. Therefore, the diagnosis of cirrhosis aligns with the expectation of mild elevations in both AST and ALT, making this the accurate response.

In hepatic cirrhosis, mild elevations of transaminases, particularly AST and ALT, are typically observed. This is due to the liver's progressive damage and inflammation. While both AST and ALT may be elevated, the elevation often remains within a modest range—typically around 2 to 5 times the normal values, reflecting the chronic nature of cirrhosis rather than acute liver injury.

Moreover, the serum protein electrophoresis pattern in cirrhosis shows changes such as a decrease in albumin and an increase in globulins, often indicating immune response or chronic inflammation. In contrast, marked elevations of transaminases are more characteristic of acute liver conditions or significant hepatocellular injury, rather than the more stable elevations seen in chronic cirrhosis. Therefore, the diagnosis of cirrhosis aligns with the expectation of mild elevations in both AST and ALT, making this the accurate response.