Which laboratory pattern is most suggestive of alcohol-related liver disease rather than viral hepatitis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. AST above ALT with a ratio over 2, raised gamma-GT and raised MCV
- Step 1: Different liver injuries give different enzyme profiles. Step 2. In alcohol-related disease AST typically exceeds ALT in a ratio of about 2, with raised gamma-GT and macrocytosis. Answer: AST above ALT with a ratio over 2, raised gamma-GT and raised MCV. Why not the others: ALT-dominant rises with a low gamma-GT are typical of viral or non-alcoholic disease. Isolated ALP is cholestatic. Raised CK points to muscle injury.
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