Causes of mildly elevated GGT

[Barryt]

I am a healthy 47 year old male who recently had an insurance physical. My GGT was mildly elevated (77) and the ALT was borderline at 45.  All other findings are normal.  Additional history:  urinary tract infection about 4 weeks prior to insurance physical was successfully treated with 1 week of Levaquin.  I take 10mg AdderallXR and I have about 1-2 glasses of wine per week (I've never consumed alcohol excessively).  Should I be concerned about the liver enzyme findings?  Could they have been caused by the medications?  What follow-up testing (if any) should I do?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Alcohol consumption is one of the more common reasons why the GGT can be elevated. Other possibilities would include medications (ensure that the Levaquin or Adderall (adderrall) isn't causing liver enzyme elevation - this is entirely possible).  I would suggest repeating the liver enzymes in a few weeks after abstaining from alcohol to see if the trend starts to decrease.

If the liver enzymes continue to be elevated, a liver ultrasound can be performed to evaluate for any anatomical dysfunction (i.e. a mass or fatty liver).  I would also suggest a hepatitis screen to ensure there is no infectious liver process.

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.