Hello and welcome to HCM,
Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) is caused by increase in bilirubin levels.
Jaundice oocurs due to three different mechanisms.
First the increased break down of RBCs in
hemolytic anemia cause incraese in unconjugated bilirubin.
Liver disease causes inability of the hepatocytes to conjugate unconjugated bilirubin.
Thirdly, any obstruction in flow of bilirubin from the liver to the
duodenum causes accumulation of bilirubin and thus jaundice.
There are various tests to determine the site of defect in the entire bilirubin
metabolism and hence the cause of jaundice.
Obstruction of the biliary tract which transmits bilirubin from liver to the duodenum will cause an increase in levels of
alkaline phosphatase, gamma Gy and 5-nucleotidase enzymes.
So, gamma GT will be raised in disorders of the biliary tree most often alcohol liver disease.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal