GGPT Insurance Testing

I have taken a recent blood test for an insurance policy and was rejected due to a high test number (175) on the GGPT portion of a liver test. Here are the facts:
Male, 53 years old, consume 2 drinks per day average(glass of wine at dinner or a martini), no other physical issues nor blood test failures.
I have my blood tested on a regular basis and the "normal" test functions have been perfect according to my 2 Doctors.(Internist and a Urologist)
My questions are:
Is the GGPT test indicative of a liver problem when all other liver tests are normal?
Is there a difference between a glass of wine at dinner and hard alcohol cocktails?
Can Advil affect the GGPT test?
Can the liver function, as indicated on the GGPT test, be treated to get into the acceptable range and is this necessary?
Is this test, GGPT, such a rarely used test that it is a screening function for insurance companies??
Have I somehow shortened my life expectancy??
Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Elevated levels of serum GGT have been reported in a wide variety of clinical conditions, including pancreatic disease, myocardial infarction, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and alcoholism. High serum GGT values are also found in patients taking medications such as phenytoin and barbiturates.

Here are some answers to your questions.

1) It is possible that a solely elevated GGT can point to a liver problem - however as you can see from above, there are a variety of conditions other than the liver that can elevate the GGT.  Simply drinking alcohol over an extended period of time can raise the GGT.

2) The obvious difference is the amount of alcohol.  Greater amounts of alcohol will certainly worsen the effect on the liver.  To my knowledge, that should be the only difference.  

3) Hepatitis is one of the more uncommon side effects of Advil.  That can certainly increase the GGT if that is the case.  Renal failure can also be precipitated by Advil which can lead to an increase in GGT.

4) Because so many other diseases can raise the GGT, an elevated level by itself should not immediately provoke exhaustive liver tests.  I would stop drinking and liver-harming medications and recheck the GGT in a few months.  If it continues to be elevated, then I would be more aggressive in searching for a cause (i.e. viral hepatitis screen, liver ultrasound etc.).  

5) I cannot comment on how insurance companies uses liver screening tests.  There are authorities that use the GGT solely to screen for alcohol use - but this is not widely accepted.

6) Again, I cannot comment on your life expectancy - it would depend on the reason why the GGT was elevated.  If it decreases after a period of alcoholic abstinence, then it would be reassuring.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[Elda1965]

A related discussion, High GGT was started.