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Is Serum GGTP Level Of 224 U/l A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Thu, 15 Oct 2015
Question: My husband has a GGTP serum level of 224 u/l which should be less than 55 u/l . Can you tell me the reason and treatment for this
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Liver disease and other conditions

Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome.
I appreciate your concern for your husband.

After having gone through the uploaded results of various lab tests, I found
a high (four fold rise) of GGT, slightly raised AST & ALT levels. Rest of other results appear to be within the normal range.

The elevated levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) may be due to liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, but they may also be due to other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, or pancreatitis.
They may also be caused by alcohol abuse or use of drugs that are toxic to the liver.

I would like to know the following:

1. Does he take alcohol, if yes how often and since how long?
2. Does he having any problem with his liver?
3. Does he smoke?

Kindly reply the requested information.

Best regards...
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (23 hours later)
1. Does he take alcohol, if yes how often and since how long?
Yes he consumes Alcohol on daily basis and in a heavy dose. He is taking Alcohol since last 20 years almost or might be even more as I am with him from last 18 years.

2. Does he having any problem with his liver?
Normally he has a frequent feeling of bowl disorder normally he goes three to four times to toilet to freshen up.




3. Does he smoke?
no but he takes Pan masala nicotine based in huge amount.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
High GGT can be reversible following certain life style modifications

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ma'am, Hi
Thanks for your reply, noted the contents.

Well, the main reason appears to be with his alcohol habit.

The raised GGT, AST, & ALT levels reflect the liver injury seems to be caused by daily heavy intake for the last 18 years or so.

I would advise him to stop taking alcohol as if he continues to take it further it may damage his liver and there is every possibility of getting liver disease like cirrhosis, etc.

At this juncture he must stop taking alcohol or alcohol containing beverages once for all.
He should avoid fatty veg/non-veg meals
He should take home cooked meals
The intake of fruits and vegetables should be more
He should do regular exercise
He must avoid eating paan masala as it contains tobacco which may be harmful to his liver as well.
He can take Vitamin E containing supplements.

Hope the suggestions given above would be useful to him in reversing the suspected liver injury caused by alcohol.

Wishing him best of his health.
Regards



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (23 hours later)
Thanks for your reply Doctor. I just wanted to know that do you suggest any other investigation for liver at this moment. I would also like to tell you that his GGTP were high normally to the same range earlier also in the year 2012. That was the first time that it was found in higher side in LFT . After proper care and exercise it came down but again he started consuming alcohol. The point to be noticed is that he has a history of high GGTP and it might be also that it is in the same range since 2012. In that case it might have harmed the liver so how can it be analysed that it has caused harmed to liver or not.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
An abdominal ultrasound scan is recommended.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ma'am, Hi
Thanks for your reply, noted the contents.

High levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is one of the most sensitive test which is indicative of toxin (like alcohol) or drugs mediated injury.
So, with continued consumption of alcohol intake liver damage tends to occur.

Beside liver function tests, I would recommend an abdominal ultrasound to know the extent of liver damage.

Hope this answers your query.
Kindly rate this answer if you are convinced. However, I shall be glad to attend any follow up query.

Best wishes.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 6261 Questions

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Is Serum GGTP Level Of 224 U/l A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: Liver disease and other conditions Detailed Answer: Hi & Welcome. I appreciate your concern for your husband. After having gone through the uploaded results of various lab tests, I found a high (four fold rise) of GGT, slightly raised AST & ALT levels. Rest of other results appear to be within the normal range. The elevated levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) may be due to liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, but they may also be due to other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, or pancreatitis. They may also be caused by alcohol abuse or use of drugs that are toxic to the liver. I would like to know the following: 1. Does he take alcohol, if yes how often and since how long? 2. Does he having any problem with his liver? 3. Does he smoke? Kindly reply the requested information. Best regards...