Management for elevated serum Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase in primary care settings

Background One of the most frequently encountered problems in outpatient and health screening centres is the elevation of Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase(y-GTP) levels. The measurement of y-GTP is a very sensitive indicator for screening for the presence of hepatobiliary disease. Especially, when alkaline phosphatase is elevated, it is a useful test to distinguish the presence of cholestasis. The diseases for which y-GTP can be elevated include diabetes, pancreatic disease, fatty liver, primary and metastatic liver cancer, cirrhosis, neuromuscular disease, myocardial infarction, hyperthyroidism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal failure, prostate cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Obesity, drugs, etc. Since y-GTP has a relatively high sensitivity and low specificity, it is preferable to perform it with other blood tests rather than performing it independently. The measurement of y-GTP is used as a test to diagnose alcohol abuse. Aims What is the meaning of y-GTP when it is raised independently or in relation to other liver function tests and how is it interpreted? In this article, we will examine the meaning of y-GTP elevation and its clinical application in primary care settings.