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What are the implications of an abnormal gamma glutamyl transferase level?

Q: My annual medical check up reports a gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) reading of 150 versus a normal upper limit of 50. What are the implications of this abnormal reading? Apart from this, the other readings for liver function were normal. I have been drinking alcohol on a regular basis for the past 10-15 years. Please advise whether I should go in for some additional tests to ascertain the health of my liver?

A:Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) or Gamma GT is an enzyme that is found mainly in the liver, but it may also be found in the kidney, biliary tract, heart, brain, intestine, pancreas and the spleen. It is a sensitive indicator of hepatobiliary disease (obstructive jaundice, intrahepatic cholestasis or pancreatitis). Abnormal levels of GGT can be found in Alcoholism, Brain tumours, Diabetes, Gallbladder disease or other diseases of the biliary system, Heart attack, Liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cancer, Mononucleosis, or Pancreatitis. In your case, it appears to be due to alcohol related damage to the liver. Complete abstinence from alcohol o visit to a gastroenterologist is advisable.

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