An easy method for diagnosing macro-aspartate aminotransferase: A case series


Beser O. F., Lacinel S., Gulcu D., Kutlu T., Cokugras F. C., Erkan T.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY, cilt.25, sa.5, ss.568-570, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 25 Sayı: 5
  • Basım Tarihi: 2014
  • Doi Numarası: 10.5152/tjg.2014.7504
  • Dergi Adı: TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.568-570
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Macro-aspartate transaminase (macro-AST) must be considered when the aspartate transaminase (AST) level is chronically high without any liver, cardiac, or muscle disease. Many specialized laboratory techniques have been recommended for diagnosing macro-AST, including the polyethylene glycol immune precipitate technique, which is simple. This study presents a considerably easier method based on the studies of Davidson and Watson and Castiella et al. Our method is based on the decrease in the plasma AST level after storage of the macroenzyme at 2-8 degrees C for 5 days, and has the advantages of low cost, reliability, and practicality at any health center. In our eight cases of macro-AST, the AST activity at day 6 had decreased by more than 50% from day 1. This method is practical for primary healthcare facilities because of its easy application and accurate results, and obviated the need for unnecessary tests after diagnosis.