High AST Levels?

AST is a liver enzyme. Physicians test for liver enzymes when patients are on immunomodulating drugs like imuran. Increased levels of AST can indicate that the drug is reaching toxic levels and that the liver is struggling to break down the drug. The only way your care provider can accurately assess the impact drugs are having on your liver through blood work is if he/she knows exactly what drugs you are taking (everything you are taking whether for crohn's or anything else) and whether you are taking them as prescribed. You need to tell your physician if you are not taking your medication as prescribed.

My liver enzyme levels rose recently after increasing my dose of imuran. I was able to get the levels back to normal by cutting back on some of the other medications I am on. I took the course of action recommended by my GI and within two months my levels were back within normal limits.

Although 53 isn't that far beyond the normal range, you should discuss this with your doctor as you don't want to fool around with your liver.

I am 35 - no other health issues - no regular medication use. 

I have elevated AST's as well - have for 5 years+  Started low around 50+/-

Over the last few years AST's have stayed put around 110ish.

OK FOR MY ADVISE PART:

Not a doctor - but seen a lot of doctors.

5 years later - a few altra sounds - 1 CT - and a recent liver biopsy later(results confirmed TODAY).

I know nothing more today than I did all those years ago - my liver is perfect.

The deal is when you only have elevated AST levels - it's a wait and see game.

You want to at some point elimate liver damage - as the liver can "go" silently.

All other issues associated with elevated AST's would be symptomatic(muscle, blood, heart)

The liver is really the only one of the group that you need to be ahead of the game.

For me - my liver is good - and AST's are still high. 

I have two of the best doctor's in my area dealing with this - for now they deal with it and I STOP WORRING!

You seem to be on the right track with the GI - if you ever get to the point where they want to do a biopsy.

I will tell you the worrying far exceeds the discomfort of the actual 2 minute procedure.

Find a good GI - someone you trust and elimate the variables one at a time.

BUT don't waste a lot of time worring - your elevated AST's just might be your "normal".