High SGOT and SGPT in Pregnancy - Side Effects and Symptoms

SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) also called AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase) also known as ALT (alanine transaminase) are a kind of liver enzymes that help convert food into energy. If the liver cells get damaged, SGOT starts leaking into the bloodstream and raises the SGOT level in the blood. Changing weather conditions and adverse pollution can cause viral hepatitis in patients which leads to a rise in the blood SGPT level.

Side Effects and Symptoms of High SGPT SGOT during Pregnancy

Excessive amounts of SGOT and SGPT in the blood can be caused by damage, resulting in excess enzymes, another reason being the leakage of enzymes from the liver cells. This shows the health of the liver. High SGPT and SGOT in pregnancy can be life-threatening for the mother and the fetus.

Here are some of the liver diseases that may occur or worsen during pregnancy.

1.Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP)

AFLP is also known to acutely yellow atrophy, a medical and obstetric emergency that occurs due to deficiency in the enzyme that helps break down the long chain of fatty acids. It is a rare condition which usually occurs in the third trimester.

Some of the symptoms of AFLP include jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and feeling of fullness.

2.Preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP Syndrome

Preeclampsia is a disorder caused by hypertension after the 20th week of pregnancy with other organ dysfunction of the mother such as fetal growth restriction, hematological complications, and renal impairment.

Eclampsia and Preeclampsia are similar, the only thing that differs is the presence of seizures.

When Preeclampsia becomes severe is converts into HELLP syndrome. Mostly it develops within 48 hours (about 4 days) of the postpartum period.

3.Chronic Liver damage (Cirrhosis)

Most common and most serious complication is variceal bleeding in a pregnant woman with cirrhosis. It may be present before pregnancy and may worsen during the pregnancy. If someone is already suffering from liver cirrhosis, doctors usually advise not to continue with the pregnancy as it is very risky.

Cirrhosis symptoms are exceptionally light and sometimes they cannot be visible during the early stage of pregnancy. Some symptoms include itching on the skin, confusion or memory loss, easy bruising, fatigue, blood in stool, and jaundice.

4.Chronic Hepatitis

HBV screening is must for all the women in the early stage of pregnancy. Vertical infection of infants born to hepatitis B is associated with higher risk of chronic infection. Hepatitis E is riskier than hepatitis A, B, and C, as it can harm both the mother and fetus.

Symptoms of chronic hepatitis include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, enlarged and tender liver, jaundice, and mild fever.

5.Autoimmune hepatitis

It occurs when the liver cells are attacked by the body's immune system. It is more common in women before pregnancy and gets worse any time during pregnancy.

Its symptoms include itching, rashes, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, premature delivery, loss of fetus, and fatigue.

There are other life diseases caused by pregnancy. They are:

• Intrahepati cholestasis of pregnancy

• HELLP (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome.

• Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

• Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Causes of High SGPT SGOT during Pregnancy

Several factors can lead to elevated SGPT and SGOT levels, including:

• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)

• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)

• Hemochromatosis (excess iron in the body)

• Liver ischemia (reduced blood flow to the liver)

• Liver cancer

• Mononucleosis (a viral infection)

• Death of liver tissues

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Harmful drug use

Normal value of SGPT and SGOT in pregnancy

SGPT and SGOT are enzymes found primarily in the liver and heart. These enzymes play a crucial role in converting food into energy. The normal range for SGPT is 4 to 36 units/liter, while SGOT levels should be between 8 to 22 units/liter. Elevated levels of these enzymes may signal liver disease, while low levels can be associated with vitamin B deficiencies or alcohol use.

Effects of high SGPT during pregnancy:

High SGPT levels during pregnancy can cause liver damage or other health issues. Some effects of high SGPT during pregnancy include:

• High SGPT is often associated with cholestasis of pregnancy, a condition where bile flow is disrupted, which can increase the risk of complications like hemorrhage due to problems absorbing vitamin K.

• Elevated SGPT can be a sign of underlying liver disease, which is risky for mothers and developing babies if not responsibly managed.

• High SGPT has also been linked to an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes, which requires careful monitoring and treatment.

Danger level of SGPT and SGOT in pregnancy,

Slightly elevated levels of SGPT and SGOT are usually considered normal during pregnancy. However, if these levels are significantly high, it may indicate a potential liver disease or other severe health conditions.

If the SGPT and SGOT levels are less than 500 U/L, it is usually not considered dangerous. But levels higher than the normal range could be a sign of liver inflammation or damage. It was also found that 75% of pregnant women with jaundice had SGOT/SGPT levels less than 500 U/L.

How to reduce SGPT and SGOT:

Here are some healthy lifestyle habits for lowering the increased SGPT and SGOT level and repairing the liver damage in just a week:

•Say No to Alcohol: One of the evident symptoms of liver damage is a drastic rise in SGPT levels, which can be caused by limitless consumption of alcohol which leads to cirrhosis.

•Vaccination Against Hepatitis: It is always advised to get vaccinated for hepatitis because in most cases liver inflammation is caused due to hepatitis B or C.

•Maintain a Healthy BMI: Excess body fat that causes obesity is the root cause of fatty liver disease. You should maintain healthy weight and BMI by taking a wholesome diet and doing regular exercise.

•Wholesome Diet: Liver health can be maintained easily by consuming a balanced diet that includes green veggies, whole grains, cereals, and lean proteins.

•Regular Exercise: Lack of physical activity causes obesity and increases chances of getting a fatty liver. Doing regular exercise maintains a healthy weight and optimal SGPT level.

•Avoid Sex with Multiple Partners: The risk of liver related diseases is also elevated if you are having sex with multiple partners.

•Avoid Self-Medication: Never take any medicine on your own. Even a slight overdose of paracetamol can adversely impact the liver and can increase the SGPT level in the liver.

•Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain healthy metabolism. Water also helps the liver in its natural detoxification process.

•Know Your Family History: The risk of getting liver inflammation can also increase if you have a history of such liver issues in your family.

How to control SGPT and SGOT levels:

In India, every 1 in 5 adults are suffering from chronic liver disease. Adding to the worry, 268,580 people are dying every year due to liver ailments in India, which is 3.17% of the total deaths per year.

Some tips to control SGPT and SGOT levels are:

• Ensure adequate sleep of 7-9 hours per night.

• Always avoid fatty and unhealthy foods. It is also important to limit processed foods, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats.

• Obesity increases the risk of liver disease, so manage weight with a few considerable changes in the lifestyle.

• Chronic stress is something that can directly impact the functioning of the liver. Try to focus more on meditation and yoga to release stress.

• Try to limit the amount of medication intake as it is something that directly affects the liver. Prolonged use of antibiotics, statins, and analgesics can be a cause of liver damage. However, ayurvedic herbs like milk thistle and turmeric improve liver health.

Best medicine for high SGPT and SGOt in pregnancy

For proper functioning of the liver, it is important to have normal ranges of SGPT and SGOT. When their levels are abnormal, then this indicates some damage or inflammation in the organs in which these enzymes can be found. When left unchecked, the elevated levels of these enzymes and the underlying cause can lead to multiple complications.

The treatment will include diagnosing and treating the underlying cause, certain lifestyle changes, and some safe home remedies. First, we will look at the best medicines for abnormal SGOT and SGPT levels.

There are no medicines that will directly lower the levels of these two enzymes as they are indicators of an underlying problem rather than a disease themselves. If the problem is with the liver, then the underlying pathology will be treated, and medicines will be prescribed by the doctor accordingly.

Look at some supplements and medicines with hepatoprotective effects that you can take after consulting with your doctor:

•Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)- It is a bile salt that will be given in case of gallbladder disease, like for those with gallbladder stones. It may also be given for certain digestive disorders.

•N-acetylcysteine (NAC)- is a substance produced naturally by the body, albeit in lesser amounts. Some people may take it as a dietary supplement for improving liver function. It acts as a precursor for glutathione, which is an antioxidant. NAC also has anti-inflammatory properties.

•Vitamin E- is also called tocopherol, which is found in all the cell membranes in our bodies. It is an antioxidant that can prevent free radical damage and Vitamin E supplements have been shown to be hepatoprotective. This may help with abnormal liver enzyme levels.

Best Ayurvedic medicines for high SGOT and SGPT levels with liver involvement:

•Silymarin (milk thistle extract)- can be prescribed by an Ayurvedic doctor or a dietician. It is a popular Ayurvedic product prescribed to support liver function and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

•Liver 52- is a liver function support tonic that has hepatoprotective effects. It also has antioxidant properties which protect the liver from injuries. It may be prescribed along with allopathic or other medicines to protect the liver from chemical injuries.

•Bhumi Amalki- is another herb used for fatty liver treatment in Ayurveda. It contains various active compounds believed to help liver function and clear toxins.

•Other herbs and formulations, like Punarnava, Triphala, Sharpunkha, etc., are also used by Ayurvedic doctors in patients with liver disorders.

Best Homoeopathic medicines which can decrease SGOT and SGPT levels:

•Lycopodium- is a homeopathic medicine given to fatty liver patients when they also have associated symptoms of acidity, bloating, pain in the right upper abdomen, burning in the esophagus when burping or belching, etc. Such patients may also have stronger cravings for sweets and hot drinks.

•Calcarea carb- is an effective homeopathic remedy for those with fatty liver, obesity, and symptoms like craving for eggs, profuse sweating, and sensitivity to cold air.

•Chelidonium- is another wonderful remedy for fatty liver in homeopathy. It is suitable when patients have right upper abdominal pain, constipation, liver enlargement, jaundice, etc. They may also like hot foods and drinks.

•Nux vomica- may show benefits in people having liver-related problems because of alcohol abuse. Constipation, abdominal pain, craving for spicy foods, etc., are some of the symptoms where this remedy can work wonders.