Persistent hypertransaminasemia (immunoglobulin-complexed aspartate aminotransferase) in an adolescent. Case report

Case report. - An adolescent admitted to hospital because of an obvious con vulsion seizure presented with a high level of serum macroaspartate aminotr ansferase. This macroaspartate aminotransferase was discovered by chance wh en blood tests were mad. Discussion. - Macroaspartate aminotransferase is a persistent, benign pheno menon, probably not congenital, discovered either in healthy patients, or i n adults suffering from malignancies or autoimmune diseases. Macroenzymes h ave been identified as a cause of benign increase in a number of serum enzy mes, like macroamylase serum levels. The macroenzyme is often an immunoglob ulin G-complexed enzyme. Conclusion. - It is important for clinicians to be aware of their existence in order to avoid unnecessary procedures. It is important that the patient is informed of the macroaspartate aminotransferase and that the same is st ated in his health record. (C) 1999 Editions Paris scientifiques et medical es Elsevier SAS.