title: Dynamic changes of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase in chronic alcoholism.
abstract: Elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were found in 29% of 155 chronic alcoholics undergoing detoxification treatment. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) was increased in 16%, alanine aminotransferase--SGPT (ALT) in 12% of the patients, while 23% had elevations of either AP or ALT or both. Of the foregoing parameters, GGT was the best single indicator of liver involvement. In course of the follow-ups GGT/ALT correlation improved, but GGT/AP correlation deteriorated. In 9 patients, abstinence during follow-up was associated with progressive decrease in previously elevated serum GGT. Because of its unique sensitivity, GGT may be useful as a screening and/or monitoring aid in alcoholism.
mesh_terms: D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D004221:Disulfiram / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D004221:Disulfiram