Table 1. Characteristics and laboratory results according to the early ALT levels.
| Characteristics | Normal (ALT ≤ 95th percentile) (n = 2,199) | Elevated (ALT > 95th percentile) (n = 123) | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternal age, yr | 35 (32–37) | 35 (33–38) | NS |
| Old maternal age, > 35 yr | 1,023 (47) | 67 (55) | 0.095 |
| Nulliparity | 1,363 (62) | 104 (85) | < 0.001 |
| Pre-pregnancy BMI, kg/m2 | 20.5 (19.1–22.3) | 21.6 (19.4–24.9) | < 0.001 |
| Gestational age at laboratory test, wk | 11.7 (8.6–12.4) | 9.3 (8.1–12.4) | NS |
| AST, IU/L | 17 (15–19) | 31 (25–41) | < 0.001 |
| ALT, IU/L | 11 (9–15) | 41 (33–52) | < 0.001 |
| Cholesterol | 170 (151–189) | 178 (160–200) | < 0.005 |
| Total protein | 6.9 (6.6–7.1) | 6.9 (6.7–7.2) | NS |
| Albumin | 4.2 (4.0–4.3) | 4.1 (4.0–4.3) | NS |
| Globulin | 2.7 (2.6–2.9) | 2.8 (2.6–2.9) | NS |
| Total bilirubin | 0.1 (0.1–0.2) | 0.1 (0.1–0.1) | NS |
| Alkaline phosphatase | 37 (33–43) | 43 (36–51) | < 0.001 |
Data are presented as median (interquartile range) or number (%).
BMI = body mass index, AST = aspartate aminotransferase, ALT = alanine aminotransferase.