Numerous conditions can cause mild elevations of the liver enzyme AST in children. According to MedlinePlus, AST (aspartate aminotransferase), is an enzyme found in high amounts in your child's heart, liver and skeletal muscle cells. Your child's AST levels can be elevated for numerous reasons including certain medical conditions. AST levels are measured by a blood test. The normal range for AST is 10 to 34 IU/L.
Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis can cause elevated AST levels in your child. According to Dr. Dicken Weatherby, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis," infectious mononucleosis can cause elevation of AST levels about 5 to 14 days after the onset of this illness. Infectious mononucleosis is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which spreads through saliva. Infectious mononucleosis most commonly manifests in teenagers, although children of any age can develop this condition. Common signs and symptoms associated with infectious mononucleosis include fever, sore throat, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, night sweats and swollen lymph glands in your child's neck and armpits.
Asthma
Asthma is a common childhood condition that may cause a mild elevation in AST. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute asthma is a chronic, or long-term, lung disease that inflames and narrows your child's airways. Asthma causes recurring bouts of wheezing and coughing. Asthma-related coughing is usually worse in the morning, states the NHLBI. Along with wheezing and coughing, common signs and symptoms associated with asthma include chest tightness, squeezing or pressure and dyspnea, or shortness of breath. Certain risk factors may increase your child's likelihood of developing asthma including genetics, being overweight, exposure to cigarette smoke, low birth weight and having an allergic condition such as atopic dermatitis.
Metastatic Cancer
Metastatic cancer is a life-threatening condition that can cause elevated AST levels in your child, according to "Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis." Metastatic cancer is cancer that spreads from one part of the body to another part. Cancer cells can break away from their site of origin and enter your child's bloodstream or lymphatic system, which is how these cells move throughout your child's body. Common signs and symptoms associated with metastatic cancer include headaches, seizures, unsteadiness and loss of coordination, shortness of breath, abdominal swelling, weight loss and, in some cases, jaundice, or yellowing of your child's skin and the whites of her eyes, and elevated AST levels. The National Cancer Institute states that most metastatic cancer is treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.
References
- MedlinePlus: AST
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What Is Asthma?
- National Cancer Institute: Metastatic Cancer
- "Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis"; Dicken Weatherby, N.D.; 2002
