Recognizing a hepatocellular pattern on a liver function panel

An abnormality in a single liver function test provides us with limited diagnostic information. But, if we can recognize a pattern of abnormality in our findings, it can help us to determine the origin of the abnormality. Liver test abnormalities can be divided into three patterns:

1. Hepatocellular (indicating hepatocellular disease)
2. Cholestatic (indicating intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary obstruction)
3. Isolated hyperbilirubinemia (indicating conjugated or unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia)

Each of these may be acute (e.g., present for less than 6 weeks), subacute (e.g., present for 6 weeks–6 months), or chronic (e.g., present for more than 6 months).

Let’s discuss the hepatocellular pattern of liver test abnormalities. With the hepatocellular pattern, serum aminotransferases, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), are significantly elevated. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels are mildly elevated (typically less than three times the normal level), and serum bilirubin levels are also elevated.

Tests for synthetic function, such as prothrombin time (PT) and albumin levels, may also be abnormal. If they are abnormal, PT and albumin levels are typically decreased.

Common causes of hepatocellular diseases include viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver damage, and chronic liver disease. The most common chronic liver disease is cirrhosis resulting from alcohol abuse or autoimmune hepatitis.

Let’s outline a few key points that may be clinically useful when it comes to identifying a hepatocellular pattern on a liver function panel.

If ALT and AST values are 8 times greater than the upper limit of the normal range, a hepatocellular pattern of disease is more likely. If ALT and AST values are 25 times greater than normal, the diagnosis is likely viral hepatitis or drug-induced liver damage. However, if ALT and AST are 50 times greater than normal, it suggests ischemic hepatic damage from insufficient blood flow secondary to shock or low blood pressure. With nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, ALT and AST are less than 4 times the upper limit of normal. Lastly, an AST to ALT ratio that is greater than 2:1 suggests alcoholic liver disease.

In individuals with hepatocellular patterns of liver function test abnormalities (e.g., significant elevation of ALT and AST), there are seven tests you should consider running to help diagnose the cause:

1. Acetaminophen levels
2. Viral hepatitis serology
3. Toxicology screen
4. Autoimmune markers (if indicated)
5. Antinuclear antibodies
6. Anti-smooth muscle antibodies
7. Anti-liver kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies

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