ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in the blood of people with acute pancreatitis. Elevated levels of ALT are associated with a higher risk of complications and an increased mortality rate. The normal range of ALT for adults is typically between 10 and 40 units per liter (U/L). In acute pancreatitis, however, levels of ALT may be significantly higher. A study published in 2019 found that ALT levels greater than 300 U/L were associated with a mortality rate of up to 53%. It is important to note that ALT levels can fluctuate during the course of the illness and are just one indicator of disease severity. Other factors, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and white blood cell counts, should also be taken into account when assessing the severity of acute pancreatitis.
