title: The Prevalence and Presumed Etiology of Elevated Aminotransferase Levels in a Pacific Northwest Tribal Community.
abstract: American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) die from chronic liver disease at high rates, but little data exist on the etiology of liver disease in AI/ANs. Adult participants from a tribal health clinic in the Pacific Northwest completed an alcohol consumption survey and underwent laboratory testing, and anthropometric measurements. Participants with abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, positive hepatitis B surface antigen, or hepatitis C antibody were invited for follow-up visit. Then, they received a limited liver ultrasound, additional liver function tests, and confirmatory hepatitis tests. Among 71 participants, 26 (37%) had sustained elevation of ALT over six months. Two patients (8%) had chronic hepatitis C virus and 19 (73%) had ultrasonographic steatosis suggesting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Elevated aminotransferase levels were common, with NAFLD and hepatitis C accounting for most cases. Few participants were aware of their liver condition, indicating the need for increased awareness, screening, and intervention.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Scott
authors: Kris V
authors: KV
authors: Kowdley
authors: George N
authors: GN
authors: Ioannou
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Krantz
authors: Odile
authors: O
authors: Lallemand
authors: Ursula
authors: U
authors: Tsosie
authors: Dedra
authors: D
authors: Buchwald
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000208:ethnology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006306:Health Surveys; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000208:ethnology*; D015205:Northwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000410:Alanine Transaminase