Gamma-glutamyl transferase or GGT levels can be used to find out the cause of an increased alkaline phosphatase or ALP level. Both these levels are increased in diseases of bile ducts and in a few liver diseases. However, only ALP will be increased in bone disease. If the GGT level is found normal in an individual with a raised ALP, then the cause is probably a bone disease. The GGT test is at times used to help discover liver disease and other bile duct obstructions. It is normally ordered in combination with or as a follow up to some other liver tests like AST, ALT, ALP, and also bilirubin. Raised levels of GGT can indicate that the liver of the person is being damaged however it does not actually point to any one condition that may be the cause of the injury.
While increased GGT levels can be the result of liver disease it can also be caused by a person consuming alcohol or if suffering from other similar conditions, like congestive heart failure.
GGT levels tend to fall after meals or breakfast, hence it is best to get the patient tested when they have not eaten or consumed anything for at least 7 to 8 hours. The normal range for GGT levels lies between 0 to 51 international units per liter. GGT with higher than normal levels can indicate congestive heart failure, Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, liver tumor, liver necrosis, liver ischemia which is blood flow deficiency.
A GGT test can be done when a person has an increased ALP level. Some symptoms and signs of liver injury include weakness or fatigue, loss of the person’s appetite, nausea and vomiting or jaundice. It may even include abdominal swelling or pain, dark colored urine or a light colored stool. There may even be itching. Increased GGT levels can indicate that there is something that is damaging the liver however it does not specify what in particular. If the GGT level is low or is normal, then an elevated ALP is probably due to a bone disease. A low or a normal result may also show that it is not likely that an individual has some liver disease or has consumed any alcohol. GGT levels can be elevated in cases of heart failure. Smoking can also cause an increase GGT levels. Levels of GGT rise with the age in women; however this is not the case in men. The levels are always somewhat elevated in men than in women.
Submitted by M T on February 25, 2010 at 02:02