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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Maintained Alcohol Abstinence, Blood Tests Seem To Be Satisfactory, Gamma Gt Levels Elevated. What Does It Indicate?

I am an alcoholic but have not drunk for 3 months. My blood tests indicate that my full blood count is normal to satisfactory, and that my gamma gt levels are such that I need to see the doctor but it is non-urgent. I am seeing the doctor tomorrow morning to discuss and to compare with my previous results (taken a year ago which I can t quite remember), but I am a little concerned in the meantime and am wondering of the significance?
Mon, 4 Feb 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
Normally, GGT is present in low levels, but when the liver is injured, the GGT level can rise. GGT is usually the first liver enzyme to rise in the blood when any of the bile ducts that carry bile from the liver to the intestines become obstructed, for example, by tumors or stones. This makes it the most sensitive liver enzyme test in detecting bile duct problems. However, the GGT test is not very specific and is not useful in differentiating between various causes of liver damage because it can be elevated with many types of liver diseases, such as cancer and viral hepatitis as well as other non-hepatic conditions such as acute coronary syndrome.

Increased levels of GGTP are often associated with systemic lupus, hyperthyroidism and cirrhosis of the liver. GGTP levels may also be elevated in a patient that is infected with mononucleosis or carcinoma of the pancreas.

GGT levels are sometimes increased with consumption of even small amounts of alcohol. Higher levels are found in chronic heavy drinkers.The GGT test may be used in evaluating someone for acute or chronic alcohol abuse.

Although the cause for elevated GGTP in you seems to be due to chronic alcohol consumption,still you must be investigated thoroughly to look for any other cause besides alcoholism.

If the cause is alcohol then it may take 3 to 6 months for levels of GGTP to become normal.
Thanks
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Maintained Alcohol Abstinence, Blood Tests Seem To Be Satisfactory, Gamma Gt Levels Elevated. What Does It Indicate?

Hello, Normally, GGT is present in low levels, but when the liver is injured, the GGT level can rise. GGT is usually the first liver enzyme to rise in the blood when any of the bile ducts that carry bile from the liver to the intestines become obstructed, for example, by tumors or stones. This makes it the most sensitive liver enzyme test in detecting bile duct problems. However, the GGT test is not very specific and is not useful in differentiating between various causes of liver damage because it can be elevated with many types of liver diseases, such as cancer and viral hepatitis as well as other non-hepatic conditions such as acute coronary syndrome. Increased levels of GGTP are often associated with systemic lupus, hyperthyroidism and cirrhosis of the liver. GGTP levels may also be elevated in a patient that is infected with mononucleosis or carcinoma of the pancreas. GGT levels are sometimes increased with consumption of even small amounts of alcohol. Higher levels are found in chronic heavy drinkers.The GGT test may be used in evaluating someone for acute or chronic alcohol abuse. Although the cause for elevated GGTP in you seems to be due to chronic alcohol consumption,still you must be investigated thoroughly to look for any other cause besides alcoholism. If the cause is alcohol then it may take 3 to 6 months for levels of GGTP to become normal. Thanks