Indications:
The examination is diagnostic of liver disease and / or chronic alcoholism.
Principle:
The γ-GT is a membrane glycoprotein that catalyzes the transfer of gamma glutamyl residue glucathion. It is especially in the kidney, pancreas, spleen, intestine and, to a lesser amount, in the heart, the liver, the brain.
one dose serum enzyme activity.
Its synthesis is increased in cases of alcoholism; however, the increase is not specific liver diseases.
Technique:
Sampling 5 mL of blood in a dry tube.
Dosing is by colorimetric measurement.
Results:
Normal values:
– They are different depending on the assay method, but the rate must average less than 25 mU / mL;
– Normal numbers can double with age and obesity;
– For a newborn, normal value is 5 to 10 times the adult rate;
– For women, the rate is usually lower than 20%.
Pathological changes:
a rate 10 times higher than is noted in:
– Certain liver diseases:
– Extrahepatic biliary obstruction (cholestasis sensitive enzyme).
– viral hepatitis,
– Alcoholic cirrhosis
– Hepatocellular and / or metastatic cancer;
– Other conditions:
– IDM,
– Nephropathy,
– Heart transplant
– Diabetes,
– Hyperthyroidism,
– Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer,
– Breast tumors,
– Melanomas.
Cost:
B20.
Practical advice:
The γ-GT is a good indicator of chronic alcoholism but not acute alcoholism.
After abstinence, lower enzyme levels is progressive but not immediate.
Many medications increase the γ-GT:
– Anticonvulsants;
– Cancer;
– Antidepressants;
– Oral contraceptives.
From 10 to 20% of normal persons, the γ-GT rate is 2 to 3 times higher than the normal rate without any pathological value.
