No studies have shown that the Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, either alone or in combination with other factors or models, has the necessary sensitivity or specificity to definitively differentiate between alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and NAFLD, but it acts as a useful clinical guide when considering the need for liver biopsy. It should also be noted that liver transaminases are known to worsen in response to cessation of alcohol intake (often coinciding with admission to hospital) and that ALT has also been shown to rise simply from admission to hospital, even in patients with no liver disease. (Hall et al., 2012)
Reference Hall, P., & Cash, J. (2012). What is the real function of the liver ‘function’ tests? The Ulster Medical Journal, 81(1), 30–36. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609680/
Sample:
Ratio of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) can be used for differential diagnosis of liver disease. (Hall P et al., 2012)
Q1: Does sample 1 capture the real application of the liver function test in line with academic integrity best practices?
- A. Yes
- B. No
