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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
High Gamma GT Level
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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High Gamma GT Level
by gonzalo, Jan 13, 2006 12:00AM
I am a 48 male, who have had two grand mal seizures episodes. One when I was 18 and the next when I was 38. For the last 10 years I have been under 400mg a day Dilantin and have been free of any seizures, at least ones that I could have been able to notice. For the last 18 months I haven't had any alcohol at all. Before that, I had an average of 3 or 4 drinks a week. When I discovered I had my Gamma GT leval at 450, I fully stoped drinking. The last time I had my blood tests checked was around 4 months ago. By then, the GGT had come down to 320, after more than 1 year of total abstention fromn alcohol. My question is if I keep on taking Dilantin and no alcohol, will I be able to bring down my GGT to normal levels. By the way, all the rest liver related measures are absolutely normal. Do you think it will be advisable to migrate to Lamictal in order to preassure my liver less? Will it be reasonable to consider quiting at all any medicine, since I am free of seizures for a whole decade?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 14, 2006 12:00AM
, Jan 14, 2006 12:00AM
I cannot make any concrete recommendations without examination. The decision whether to change your medication should be made in conjunction with your neurologist.
The GGT is not specific to the liver. There are other conditions that can raise the GGT level. Pancreatic disease as well as biliary disease can raise the GGT level. Imaging studies and other tests (i.e. CT scan and pancreatic enzyme levels) can be obtained to evaluate this possibility.
As you surmised, alcohol can also increase the GGT levels.
If everything has been evaluated for, then that leaves the Dilantin. Studies have shown that there is a connection between Dilantin and an isolated elevation in GGT level. In this scenario, it would be unlikely that the GGT would decrease if the Dilantin is continued.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
The GGT is not specific to the liver. There are other conditions that can raise the GGT level. Pancreatic disease as well as biliary disease can raise the GGT level. Imaging studies and other tests (i.e. CT scan and pancreatic enzyme levels) can be obtained to evaluate this possibility.
As you surmised, alcohol can also increase the GGT levels.
If everything has been evaluated for, then that leaves the Dilantin. Studies have shown that there is a connection between Dilantin and an isolated elevation in GGT level. In this scenario, it would be unlikely that the GGT would decrease if the Dilantin is continued.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Member Comments
by cyn8, Apr 18, 2008 09:55AM
A related discussion, GT Gamma was started.
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