Dear colleagues,
I write concerning a patient identified as part of a collection for
reference intervals. In return for their blood, we returned their results
with a consultation if required.
One male in his 50s, middle eastern background, possibly carrying a few
kilograms (don't we all) turned up the following liver function test
abnormalitites:
GGT 132 U/L (reference interval <35 U/L), ALT 55 U/L (<30 U/L), AST 33 U/L
(<30), other LFTs with current reference intervals.
The only ingested agent which came to light on history was alcohol at about
4 standard drinks per week.
I suggested he abstain and we repeat the tests.
The repeat GGT after 2 weeks was 70 U/L and ALT was 43 U/L.
This is a least circumstantial evidence that alcohol may be a causative
factor in his LFT derangement.
My questions are as follows:
1. Can alcohol at this level (40 g/week) cause these LFT changes, and
2. If it can, does this indicate significant damage which should lead to
alcohol abstinence.
Thank you in advance for your assistance (John Whitfield especially may be
able to provide some light).
Graham
Graham Jones
Staff Specialist in Chemical Pathology
St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Ph: (02) 9361-2170 Fax (02) 9361-2489
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