The ASTALT ratio in alcoholic hepatitis is a measure of the severity of a person's condition. The ratio is calculated by dividing the AST (aspartate aminotransferase) level in the blood with the ALT (alanine aminotransferase) level. AST and ALT are both enzymes produced by the liver. When the liver is damaged, these enzymes are released into the blood. A high ASTALT ratio indicates a more severe form of alcoholic hepatitis.
For people with alcoholic hepatitis, the ASTALT ratio is an important indicator of the severity of their condition. The normal ASTALT ratio for healthy individuals is 1:1. When the ASTALT ratio is higher than 1:1, it suggests that the person has an advanced form of the disease.
The ASTALT ratio can be used to monitor the progress of treatment for alcoholic hepatitis. If the ratio is decreasing, it suggests that the treatment is working and the disease is improving. If the ratio is increasing, it suggests that the treatment is not working and that the condition is getting worse.
It is important to note that the ASTALT ratio is not a diagnostic tool. A high ratio does not necessarily mean that a person has alcoholic hepatitis. Other tests, such as blood tests and imaging studies, are needed to confirm a diagnosis.