Suggest Treatment For Elevated GGT

Posted on Wed, 24 Sep 2014

Question: Elevated GGT 130

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This suggests a liver pathology or alcohol intake

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this elevated GGT levels.

An elevation of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is seen in any and all forms of liver disease. The highest levels of increases are seen in intra- or post-hepatic biliary obstruction. Elevated values can also indicate alcoholic cirrhosis or individuals who are heavy drinkers.

If you are a heavy drinker, I will recommend that you reduce you daily alcohol intake and get these results controlled in 3months. If you are not a heavy drinker, I will suggest that you contact a GI specialist or hepatologist for a comprehensive evaluation of the liver function.

Did you do any other tests alongside this GGT? If so, can I have a copy of the results uploaded for a more rounded interpretation?

I hope this helps.I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (20 minutes later)

About Womens Health Med Group XXXXXXX A. Grellet, MD
15251 National Ave Suite 104 Los Gatos, CA 0000     Internal Medicine
Tel: 408-358-7360 Fax: 408-358-7357
Patient:     XXXX
DOB:     XX/XX/XXXX
Address:     14740 XXXXXXX XXXXXXX , XXXX, CA 95070
Phone:     XXX-XXX-XXXX
Ordered Date:     07/09/2014
Assessments:     Panhypopituitarism
Test Name:     Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Name          Value          Reference Range
Glucose          82          70-99 mg/dL
Calcium          9.5          8.5-10.6 mg/dL
BUN          21.1          7.0-20.1 mg/dL
Creatinine          0.7          0.6-1.1 mg/dL
BUN/Creatinine Ratio          30          12-20
eGFR          84          >=60 mL/min/1.73m2
eGFR (African American)          102          >=60 mL/min/1.73m2
Sodium          141          136-145 mmol/L
Potassium          4.3          3.5-5.1 mmol/L
Chloride          107          98-107 mmol/L
Carbon Dioxide          23          22-31 mmol/L
Protein, Total          7.2          6.2-8.3 g/dL
Albumin          4.0          3.4-5.0 g/dL
Bilirubin, Total          0.5          0.2-1.2 mg/dL
AST (SGOT)          34          5-34 U/L
ALT (SGPT)          39          0-55 U/L
Alkaline Phosphatase          110          40-150 U/L
Result:     Normal
Received Date:     07/11/2014
Notes:
Grellet XXXXXXX A 7/12/2014 10:06:29 PM >

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
THese results are normal!

Detailed Answer:
These results are normal.

And what is the response about alcohol consumption?

Hope to hear from you. Wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (15 minutes later)

Is there a possibility since everything else is normal i shouldnt be concerned. I was just diagnosed with two types of microscopic colitis

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See below!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for following up with me.

GGT is often of liver and gall bladder origin. This is where we have to look closely for answers. I do not know if it is a voluntary decision not to touch on your alcohol intake.

These results are normal and not related to microscopic colitis. Generally, microscopic colitis has no effects on these tests. It manifests mostly with digestive symptoms like diarrhea, pain, bloating, etc.

I hope this helps. I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

I hadnt seen your comment about alcohol consumption. Probably two glasses pf wine four times a week. I do have chronoc daily headaches that I handle with either a 1/2 of Vicodin or an Anacin. I never exceed 1 vicidin per day or two Anacins

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this comment.

Given that this is an isolated increase in the GGT levels with every other liver function test normal, I will recommend a control in 2-3months. if it remains quite high, then more aggressive investigations should be considered.

Your alcohol consumptions seems acceptable. Would have recommended a glass in place of 2 glasses. What is the cause of your daily headaches? Work related? Unknown? Poor sleep?

I hope this helps. I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 minutes later)

Unknow cause - increase in intesity in altitude. Will use Prednisone to help with headache. Allergic to sulfa drugs. Is it possible alcohol plus Vicodin is causing high GGT

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Alcohol is more likely to cause this!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up precision.

Alcohol is more likely to have caused this increased GGT and not vicodin. I recommend that you consider reducing your alcohol consumption and more so because of this abnormal GGT levels.

Hope this helps. keep me posted with your decisions and actions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (56 minutes later)

About how long does it take for GGT to return to normal

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It depends on the cause!

Detailed Answer:
How long it takes for this value to return depends on what the cause is and what measures have been taken to address it. It is is solely caused by alcohol, the values should drop significantly within 1-2months following alcohol consumption reduction.

If with alcohol restriction this value fails to return to normal, ,then the cause is something else and would need further testing to pinpoint the cause and address accordingly.

I hope this helps. I wish you well.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar