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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
elevated alt,ggt,ferritin
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
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.

elevated alt,ggt,ferritin

by giants, Aug 17, 2004 12:00AM
Could these elevations be related to excessive alcohol intake?  If i completely stop drinking will these elevations return to normal?  If so how long will it take?  Also is it possible that this is cirrosis?

by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 18, 2004 12:00AM
It is possible for increase alcohol intake to increase the liver enzymes, however a typical pattern would be the AST to be elevated above the ALT - which is not your case.  Also, alcohol would not be able to explain the increase in ferritin.  

As for cirrhosis, an ultrasound would be able to discern whether cirrhosis is present or not.

At this time, I would ensure that hemochromatosis isn't present first.  

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Member Comments (1)

by kevinmd, Aug 18, 2004 12:00AM
One clarification about the cirrhosis - a biopsy is the only definitive test.  The ultrasound can only suggest cirrhosis, but would be reasonable in your case.
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