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Question
Hello doctor,
I tested for liver enzymes and found that the GGT index increased and decreased but were higher than normal for 8 months now. At its peak, it was 163, some other stats increased, but there were a few units. The doctor said that the increase was okay and gave him medicine to lower liver enzymes. But every time I check it, it's above normal. I eat and drink normally. So the doctor asked me if the GGT index increased or decreased erratically? Thank you doctor.
Anonymous customer
Answer
Answered by Master, Doctor Vu Tan Phuc - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.
Hello,
With the question “Is the GGT index going up and down erratically? ”, the doctor would like to answer as follows:
GGT (Gamma Glutamyl transferase) is an important liver function test along with SGPT and SGOT.
A normal GGT is in the range of less than 60 UI/L. In women, this index is 11-50 UI/L, in men, the GGT index falls between 7-32 UI/L. There are 3 levels indicating the increase of GGT index:
Mild: High in 1-2 times. Moderate: Increase in 2 - 5 times. Severity: increased more than 5 times. GGT levels sometimes increase when people drink alcohol. Levels are higher in chronic heavy drinkers than in people who consume less than 2 to 3 drinks per day. The GGT test is also used to evaluate a person for acute or chronic alcohol abuse.
Knowing what causes a high GGT will help you avoid the risk of liver damage. This is especially important for people with high liver enzymes. Circumstances that can increase blood GGT include:
Obstructive jaundice. Acute hepatitis or liver shock. Liver cancer or liver tumor. Cirrhosis, death of liver tissue. Use of hepatotoxic drugs: Phenytoin, Phenobarbital. Long-term use of high concentrations of alcohol. Unreasonable rest mode, affecting liver function. Improper nutrition, weakening the liver. Diabetes, lung disease. Pancreatic disease. Lack of blood flow to the liver. Elevated liver enzymes AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), and GGT have also been observed in cases of malaria, biliary tract disease, iron overload, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune diseases of the small intestine, and some other diseases. Before testing for GGT, patients need to remember not to use drugs (Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, ...) within 24 hours because this is likely to increase GGT levels in the blood, leading to test results. test is not accurate. Similarly, patients should not use alcohol, beer, tobacco or stimulants even in small amounts, because it will affect the results quite seriously.
If you still have questions about the erratic rise and fall of the GGT index, you can go to a hospital under Vinmec Health System for further examination and advice. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wishing you lots of health.
Best regards!
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