Background: Determination of Alanine aminotransferase serum levels ([ALT]s) is a sensitive ana reliable test for liver diseases.
Aim: To report the prevalence of abnormal [ALT]s in Chilean population and to identify associated variables.
Methods: We analyzed data from a random sub-sample of 2,794 adults surveyed during the second Chilean National Health Survey. Abnormal [ALT]s were defined by using three different cut-off values (COV), two fixed COV (COV1: > 30 IU/L in men and > 19 IU/L in women and COV2 pre-defined by the performing laboratory) and a COV adjusted by age, weight and sex (COV3 > 31 IU/L for women and > 44 IU/L and men > 42 IU/L and > 66 IU/L with a BMI > 23). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for elevated [ALT]s.
Results: Mean [ALT]s values were 30.14 I U/L in men and 22.03 IU/L in women. The observed prevalence of abnormal [ALT]s defined by different COV were 38%, 11.5%, and 8.1% for COV1, COV2 and COV3 respectively. Variables independently associated to abnormal [ALT]s in a multivariate analysis were the following: serum gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (OR: 1.055 [95% CI 1.033-1.078]) and body mass index (OR:1.13 [95% CI 1.09-1.17]). Variables inversely associated with abnormal [ALT]s (COV1) were mole gender (OR-.0.976 [95% CI 0.96-0.99) and HDL-cholesterol (OR:0979 [95% CI 0.96-0.99]).
Conclusions: Independently of the COV used, Chilean population exhibits a high prevalence of abnormal [ALT]s which may reflect a significant burden of liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease could be a major contributor to elevated [ALT]s considering the association of abnormal [ALT]s and metabolic variables.